Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2012 8:49AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The region remains under the influence of a cold and mostly dry Arctic Air mass. Wednesday brings light winds out of the North under clear skies. A daytime H of -19 is expected at 1500m with an overnight low of -32. Thursday looks to be more of the same. The pattern changes a bit on Friday as a frontal system makes its way inland, but at the moment the northern extent of the system is uncertain. Those details should tighten up as we get closer to the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

One small & shallow slab avalanche was reported from the region Monday. Reports indicate that skier triggered loose snow avalanches are still possible, but, loose snow avalanche activity has slowed way down.

Snowpack Summary

The weekend storm delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region. Initially, there was a widespread cycle of loose dry avalanches running to size 2, but that kind of activity has dropped off. The snowpack is tightening up now, and in most places you'll find well settled storm snow. The exception is terrain immediately lee of ridge crest where you will likely find a soft slab that is capable of avalanches to size 2. If the wind picks up there is plenty of snow available for transport which will quickly be formed into wind slabs. But, all signs point to continued low winds through at least Thursday.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for windslabs on the immediate lee of ridge crests. While it's not forecasted, moderate sustained winds would quickly form dangerous wind slabs & bump the danger to Considerable. Stay alert for changing conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Cornices are massive in many locations, stay well back from ridge crests and plan your travels so that you minimize exposure to these large unsupported masses of snow. Falling cornices have the potential to trigger large destructive avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2012 8:00AM