Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2017–Jan 16th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Watch for pockets of surface windslab in the alpine. Avoid steep unsupported terrain features.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures continue to moderate today as warm Pacific air moves in. Today, an alpine high of -7C with ridgetop winds SW 15-25km/h are forecast with a rising freezing level coming up to 1000m. A strong SW flow of warm Pacific moisture is on route starting Monday bringing 2 to 3 days of heavy snowfall. Watch for rapidly rising avalanche danger.

Snowpack Summary

Strong N'ly winds formed widespread windslab in the alpine over New Years. More recently thin pockets of surface slab formed and occasionally have been reactive on unsupported features. In protected areas you may find faceted soft snow. Surface hoar is well developed in the valley bottoms and shifting to tiny needle like forms at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Five new slides were observed in the highway corridor yesterday up to size 2.5. These slides were generally running out of steep unskiable terrain. No new natural activity was observed by field staff in the back country yesterday.

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin stiff windslabs exist along ridge crests and cross loaded features formed by moderate SW winds. These slabs are variable in distribution so take time to assess slopes independently. Avoid convex rolls and unsupported terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2