Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2022 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Continued strong northeasterly winds are expected to form reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Strong northeast wind / Low of -32
TUESDAY: Sunny / Strong northeast wind / High of -27
WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate northeast wind / High of -30
THURSDAY: Sunny / Moderate northeast wind / High of -28
Avalanche Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) has been reported down 20-50 cm in some areas.
The lower snowpack is made up of weak sugary snow. An avalanche at this interface is most likely to be triggered in shallow areas or with a large impact like a cornice fall or a larger wind slab avalanche that steps-down to these deeply buried weak layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Wind Slabs
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A crust buried near the bottom of the snowpack has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario, that if triggered, would result in a very large avalanche.
Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2022 3:00PM
