Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2017 3:36PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Watch for wind slabs in unusual places as we head into a clear cold week

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Sunny, light east winds, alpine temperatures around -20.TUESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -15.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -15.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations on Saturday included isolated size 1 loose dry avalanches in steep terrain and one natural release of a size 2 avalanches on a northeast treeline slope. After a windy day on Sunday, expect an increase in wind slab avalanche activity on lee and cross-loaded features.

Snowpack Summary

The region received 50 to 90 cm of new snow between Christmas and New Years. This snow has been redistributed by strong winds that have come from a variety of directions and loaded leeward and cross-loaded features. Sunny skies will promote settlement of the snow on open south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar interface can be found buried 70-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with little to no recent avalanche activity in the region. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

Problems

Wind Slabs

With recent winds coming from a variety of directions watch for signs of stiff or slabby snow on less commonly loaded slopes. Denser slabs found on south aspect slopes could be made more unstable by the sun.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2017 2:00PM