Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2021 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

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A few cms of snow fell on Wednesday but not enough to cause a big change in danger levels. Watch for windslabs as you move up into treeline and above. 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Cooler temperatures are moving into the region for the next few days. Unfortunately no new snow is expected and winds are gonna be light for a change!!!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed on Wednesday but visibility was limited. 

Snowpack Summary

Lots of variability within the upper snowpack currently with some areas highly wind affected and others with 25cm of low density snow on the surface. Being heads up for these windslabs up to 40cm deep is the key thing to note. As you transition into wind affected terrain look and feel for the surface of the snow to become wind affected. We did see some light to moderate SW winds on Tuesday moving snow around but it felt like the first day not in a hurricane. In some areas the overhead cornices look large and looming so be sure to keep your head looking up. Otherwise the midpack in the region continues to settle and strengthen with the basal november crust near the ground still in our minds despite no recent avalanches on this interface. Thin areas are places to tread carefully as you may awaken the basal layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lots of variability on these windslabs. They are less widespread at treeline and below. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2021 3:00PM