Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2021 8:06AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
jonas hoke,
Conditions are changing after a prolonged period of good stability. It's time to scale back our exposure.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A coastal low is pushing a series of fronts inland, giving moderate snowfall and wind.
Tonight: Flurries (6 cm). High -4 C. Light-Moderate S wind. Freezing level (Fzl) 1600m.
Tonight: Flurries (7 cm). Low -5 C. Mod S wind.
Monday: Snow (16 cm). High -2 C. Low -9 C. Mod-strong S wind. Fzl 1800m.
Tuesday: Snow (12cm). High -4. Mod S wind. Fzl 1400m
Snowpack Summary
New snow (15-20cm so far) is beginning to build a slab over the previous drought layer (surface facets, surface hoar, wind affect, and sun crust). As the wind picks up and snowfall continues, expect reactive storm slabs to develop quickly. The snowpack below is mostly well bonded, with critical layers from earlier this winter now dormant.
Avalanche Summary
Pockets of reactive Windslab continue to be reported at and above treeline. Small loose dry avalanches (sluffs) have also been reported to be running fast and far in steep terrrain. Cornices are large and weak, approach corniced ridges with caution, and avoid hanging out beneath them.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Snowfall, wind and warm temps are a perfect recipe for storm slab development.
- Use safe ski cutting techniques to enter your line.
- Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Expect loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. Manage your descent accordingly.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Ski short pitches and regroup in safe spots.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2021 8:00AM
