Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 25th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs are likely to be encountered at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in lee features.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light to moderate south wind / alpine low temperature near -10
TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -9
WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -8
THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -7
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday there were a few size 1 dry loose avalanches reported, as well as one size 2 explosives triggered cornice avalanche.
Earlier this month, we saw significant deep persistent slab activity, both natural and human triggered. Deep glide cracks have also been observed previously but appear to be holding together in the cool temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces. Generally speaking, the new snow sits on firm wind slabs at upper elevations, on a crust below 1900 m and at all elevations on south-facing slopes, and on surface hoar in sheltered areas.
A crust from early December may be found around 200 cm deep in the snowpack. In shallow rocky areas, recent test results suggest that it may still be possible to trigger this layer. In deeper snowpack areas it has shown no recent results and appears to be unreactive in these areas.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may be surprisingly reactive as they are likely sitting on weak layers.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2021 4:00PM
