Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 13th, 2017 4:31PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Wind effect is the critical factor. The safest, best riding may be in lower elevation terrain sheltered from the wind.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
The dominating arctic airmass will linger through the weekend with continued cold temperatures at valley bottom and a strong alpine inversion, mostly cloudy skies with some sunny periods. Saturday/ Sunday/ Monday: Mix of sun and cloud with an alpine high near -8. Ridgetop winds light from the West. Check out the full synopsis here: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity reported on Friday. With the winds recently switching directions, wind slabs may be reactive on a variety of aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried a plethora of old snow surfaces which consists of wind scoured surfaces, old wind slabs, surface hoar up to 20 mm in sheltered terrain, and/or faceted old snow. Recent moderate winds from all directions is has redistributed some of this new snow on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-December persistent weak facet layer has been more prominent and reactive in the Corbin area than areas closer to Fernie. The layer is generally considered dormant at the moment especially in deeper snowpack areas, but its status may change if we head into a warmer, wetter period next week.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to rider triggering. Wind direction has changed recently and wind slabs may exist on all aspects.
Avoid areas where the surface snow feels stiff or slabby.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 14th, 2017 2:00PM
