Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 15th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
There is likely a shift in the weather pattern starting later Monday afternoon and Tuesday (snow and wind on the way!?). In the meantime approach terrain exposed to the wind with caution. If you find dense, slabby snow, or see shooting cracks, expect that windslab avalanches will be easy to trigger.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported.
We expect that windslab avalanches are likely to occur under the weight of a rider anywhere that winds over 25 km/h are are forming the loose surface snow into slabs.
Snowpack Summary
Soft, loose surface snow has been relatively unaffected by wind, even in usually windy areas.
Low visibility has limited field observations at higher elevations, but we suspect that you may find reactive windslabs and/or cornices below ridgecrests and in the highest alpine terrain.
The wind is forecasted to be fairly light to mountain through Monday, but if you do see wind transport where you are, then expect to also find reactive windslabs.
Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Light south wind. Alpine temperature around -10°C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 1-3cm. Light south wind picking up to moderate in the afternoon. Alpine temperature around -9°C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate to strong southerly wind. Alpine temperature around -10°C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature around -10°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Problems
Wind Slabs
There is lots of loose snow available for transport. An increase in wind could form reactive new wind slabs at ridgecrests and in leeward terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 16th, 2023 4:00PM
