Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
A substantial amount of snow continues to accumulate, producing dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoidance and conservative terrain travel are warranted for a safe day in the backcountry.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -5 C.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -5 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, 50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread storm slab avalanches were observed within the storm snow on Sunday. A similar trend likely occurred as the storm continued on Monday.
We'd appreciate any observations while you are out travelling, even just a photo, on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A substantial amount of snow has accumulated in the region since January 1, with storm totals around 80 cm or more. More snow is forecast into Tuesday. All this snow has formed a touchy storm slab in sheltered areas and wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations.
The storm snow overlies a thin but hard melt-freeze crust found up to about 1700 m. In wind-exposed terrain, the snow likely overlies previously wind-hardened snow. There is also the possibility of the storm snow sitting on weak and sugary faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar that formed during the extended cold period in late December.
The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and a few hard melt-freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
- Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm snow totals have exceeded 80 cm since the weekend, with more snow forecast into Tuesday. Touchy storm slabs in sheltered areas and wind slabs in exposed areas have formed. These slabs may take some time to stabilize, as they overly various smooth and/or weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2022 4:00PM
