Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2022 4:21PM

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

Stephen Holeczi,

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A storm starting Thursday will likely increase the avalanche danger over the next few days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A storm will enter the region Thursday. Expect increasing winds over the day from the W/SW, 5-10cm by the end of the day, and temperatures around -15C at treeline by midday. Friday may see 10-15cm more, continued winds, and temperatures around -5C to -10C.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm storm snow from a few days ago was distributed into alpine wind slabs wind slabs which sit over facets from last weeks cold snap in some locations. 80-110cm sits over the Dec 2 crust and facets in this area, but as of yet this has not been active. 200-260cm on average at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported Wednesday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Previous strong SW winds have created wind slabs in alpine. Forecast winds and snow will increase the size and likelihood of triggering, and slabs may start to form at treeline.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM