Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
There is some low density snow on the surface for the wind pick up and deposit into lee terrain. Pay attention to wind direction to anticipate where new wind slabs are forming.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday a field team member observed a large (size 2.5) 48-72 hour old natural avalanche that was triggered by a large cornice fall on the slope below it. This occurred on a north aspect. Additionally there was a size 2.5 naturally triggered avalanche observed on an east aspect in the alpine in the Big Y area. It is suspected to have run on facets near the base of the snowpack.
There were a few wind slab avalanches reported to size 1.5 on east facing terrain in the alpine as well.
Snowpack Summary
Light to moderate south winds have redistributed loose surface snow and have formed new wind slabs in exposed areas.
Continued wind will further feed wind slab development in the coming days. This overlies a settled snowpack.
Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulations. Light to moderate southeast winds. Treeline high temperature around -11 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light to moderate southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -10°C.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -9°C.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -7°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
Problems
Wind Slabs
An uptick in southerly wind could form reactive new wind slabs in leeward terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2023 4:00PM
