Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 9th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Aaron Beardmore,
Evidence of a wind slab cycle was evident on Sunday. Human triggering remains likely. The Mt Whymper and Simpson avalanche closure zones are CLOSED on Mon Jan 10 for avalanche control.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Wx models suggest there is little respite in the wind, which will generally remain in the strong range from the W/SW for the next few days. Temperatures will be slightly warmer than seasonal but the freezing level should remain below surface. A small to moderate amount of new snow (10-20cm) is expected late on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Strong wind from the SW is redistributing available snow into lee areas in both the alpine and treeline. These slabs may bond poorly to the underlying facets from the cold snap. The Dec 2 crust/facet interface is down 60-100 cm, and the snowpack is very faceted in shallower areas.
Avalanche Summary
Two size 2 wind slab avalanches were observed in the Bow Summit area on Sunday. Also, Massey's near Field, went size 2.5 and poured over the ice climb in the past 24 hours. Lake Louise patrollers triggered a size 2 wind slab with explosives. Please see yesterdays MIN report of the avalanche that occurred on the Dec 2 crust in the Simpson paths.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong SW wind has been loading lee areas in the alpine and tree line. This, coupled with a slight rise in temperature will increase the likelihood of human triggering.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Dec. 2 crust/facets are down 60-100 cm throughout the region. Sparse and sporadic activity has occurred mainly in Kootenay (as recently as Jan 8). A high degree of uncertainty remains around this layer.
- Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 10th, 2022 4:00PM
