Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2017 4:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Be extra cautious around south slopes: they're weak, wind-loaded, and getting hit by the sun.
Summary
Confidence
High - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -20.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light west winds, alpine temperatures around -16.FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -14.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, numerous natural wind slabs in the size 1-2 range were reported on south and southwest aspects. A larger size 3 avalanche was reported to have been triggered by a wind slab stepping down to a deeper weak layer on a steep south-facing alpine slope in the Selkirks.Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in specific areas, such as the immediately lee of ridges and sun-exposed slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds over the weekend had an extensive effect in exposed terrain. Expect scouring and wind slabs in unusual places, as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Sunny weather is likely making the surface snow touchy on south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar layer can be found buried 80-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with little to no recent avalanche activity in the region. The layer may still be reactive in isolated areas such as steep south-facing slopes and thin snowpack areas. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Southerly aspects are wind loaded and becoming unstable with solar warming. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.
Minimize exposure to steep, planar south facing alpine slopesAvoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2017 2:00PM
