Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Columbia.
Confidence
High - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine low -13.FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -11.SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -17.SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -14.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a few rider triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 2, on primarily northerly aspects at treeline and above were reported.Persistent slab avalanche activity on the mid-January weak layer has slowed down, but not stopped. This layer has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario in the snowpack primary at lower elevations. Check out the great photos from a recent MIN. Take note of the low angle terrain and the light load of a single ski track that triggered this avalanche.
Snowpack Summary
Strong northeasterly ridge-top winds have created fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. Additionally, there are buried wind slabs on a variety of aspects that are sitting on facets (sugary snow) which may cause them to remain reactive to human triggers longer than what is typical for a wind slab problem in this region.There are two prominent weak layers in the upper snowpack. One was buried at the end of January, and the other mid-January. They are approximately 40- 60 cm and 60-90 cm below the surface. Both layers consist of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and may be associated with a crust on steep, south facing slopes. These weak layers have been most recently reactive at lower elevations below treeline.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5