Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 27th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeA recent inversion has helped settlement and brought the avalanche hazard down to low.
Be on the lookout for isolated pockets of wind slab near ridgetop.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Several solar triggered Dry loose avalanches reported on Monday up to Sz 1.5.
Field teams have observed skier triggered size 1's the past few days, which were isolated to the top 10-15cm of snow on old firm bed surfaces. Despite their small size, they were moving fast in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
A surface sun crust has formed on steep solar aspects.
Variable wind slabs that formed on the 23rd are decomposing with the cold, clear nights. Sheltered areas have ~15cm of low density, faceted (sugary) snow atop a denser, wind-pressed layer. The Jan 7th layer is down 30-60cm, comprised of surface hoar (all aspects) and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well bonded and strong.
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure is firmly planted. Mainly clear skies & no precipitation until Fri.
Tonight Cloudy with clear periods. Ridge wind NW15 km/h. Freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom
Tues Mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Alpine high -1. Ridge wind W 15. (FZL) 1800m.
Wed Mix of sun & cloud. No precip. Alpine high -3. Ridge wind SW 25. FZL 1300m.
Thurs Mix of sun & cloud with isolated flurries. Trace precip in PM.
WednesdayTerrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Another sneaky 5-10cms of new snow with 30-40 km/hr Southerly winds created windslabs on Wednesday/ Thursday. These slabs may be losing their energy, but isolated pockets of wind slab can still be found near ridge top and in exposed alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 28th, 2025 4:00PM