Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 10th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeMonitor the wind on Wednesday and watch for signs of new slab formation. Wind slabs are always touchiest right after they form.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday a field team member observed a large (size 2.5) 48-72 hour old natural avalanche that was triggered by a large cornice fall on the slope below it. This occurred on a north aspect.
Other than the above, we haven't received reports of recent avalanches. Looking forward, isolated pockets of wind slabs could be triggered by riders in steep lee terrain features.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong south winds are expected redistribute loose surface snow on Wednesday, potentially forming new wind slabs in exposed areas.
Winds will be acting on a light new snow amounts and the 5 to 10 cm of soft snow from the weekend that overlies a settled snowpack.
Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night
Becoming cloudy. Light southeast winds increasing into the morning.
Wednesday
Cloudy with flurries bringing less than 5 cm of new snow. Moderate south winds, increasing with elevation. Treeline high temperatures around -10 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulations. Light to moderate southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -10 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy. Light southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -5°C under a mild temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
- The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
Problems
Wind Slabs
An uptick in southerly wind could form reactive new wind slabs in leeward terrain features on Wednesday.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 11th, 2023 4:00PM