Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 31st, 2017–Feb 1st, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

The best and safest riding may be in sheltered terrain around treeline.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Overcast skies with possible sunny breaks / Moderate northeast winds / Alpine temperatures of about -19Thursday: Clear skies / Light ridgetop winds / Alpine temperatures of about -19Friday: Clear skies / Light ridgetop winds / Alpine temperatures of about -8

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity in the region has been reported as natural and skier triggered wind slabs up to size 2 in the alpine and at tree line.

Snowpack Summary

Recent light snowfall has been redistributed into thin wind slabs by strong winds. In general, snow surfaces are best described as heavily wind affected with scouring and sastrugi formation noted on many terrain features. Crusts can be found near the surface on solar aspects at high elevations and on all aspects below 1600m. There have been isolated reports of a surface hoar layer from early January buried about 40 cm deep in sheltered areas, although not much is known about its current reactivity. About 70cm below the surface, you'll find sugary facet crystals which formed during December's cold snap. Although avalanches are currently unexpected at this interface, this layer could come back to life with with warming, significant loading or a large trigger at a thin spot.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent avalanche observations suggest wind slabs are still reactive to the weight of a person. I'd approach any steep, wind-affected slope with caution.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2