Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2017–Jan 8th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Recent snow and wind continue to build fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and above. Small slabs can still have big consequences if mixed with terrain traps.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy, light southeasterly winds, and treeline temperatures around -10. MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with light snowfall bringing another 5-10 cm, moderate westerly ridgetop winds, and treeline temperatures around -10. TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwesterly winds, and treeline temperatures around -15.

Avalanche Summary

A few naturally triggered wind slabs on variable aspects up to size 1.5 have been reported over the past couple days.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of recent snow and light to moderate winds have created fresh thin wind slabs in exposed areas at treeline and above. This recent snow has also covered old, thicker wind and hard slabs from previous wind events. The mid-December facet/surface hoar persistent weakness can be found buried 70-120 cm deep and is generally giving hard resistant or no results in snowpack tests. However, we are still receiving occasional reports of sudden results, suggesting that it has to potential to propagate into a large avalanche if triggered, particularly in shallow spots where this layer closer to the snow surface. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs can still have big consequences if you are carried into terrain traps.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas where the snow feel stiff or slabby.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2