Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 6th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
The stormy weather may be over, but the snowpack is complex. Resist the urge to venture into bigger terrain until the snowpack has had a chance to gain some strength. The best riding is likely to be found on low angle slopes in wind sheltered areas.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -10Â
THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5Â
FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -3Â
SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy / light south wind / alpine high temperature near -6
Avalanche Summary
Fresh storm slabs may continue to be reactive, especially where they sit on a weak layer of surface hoar, as has been reported in the areas surrounding Valemount.Â
Field observations in this region are limited. If you get out, please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
20-50 cm of recent fresh snow now reportedly sits on a weak layer of surface hoar in the areas near Valemount.
A persistent weak layer is now down about 50-100 cm. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas, it's surface hoar and/or a crust. In other areas, this layer may be difficult to find, if it exists at all. Recent human triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer and have been most numerous in the areas surrounding Valemount.
There is a prominent crust near the base of the snowpack. This crust likely has weak facets above and/or below it. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, but would be most likely to trigger in steep, shallow, rocky terrain, with a thin to thick snowpack.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
- Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent fresh snow and wind has formed storm slabs in many areas that may still be easy to trigger, especially at lower elevations where they may sit on a buried weak layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Concern remains for a weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm. This layer has been found to be most prevalent at treeline and below treeline in areas near Valemount.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2021 4:00PM
