Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2016 8:05AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Low Danger does not mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Expect mainly clear skies on Sunday with light southeast winds and freezing levels at about 1000m. Cool and unsettled weather is expected on Monday and Tuesday; however, snowfall amounts are highly uncertain. Models are currently suggesting anywhere from 0-15cm for both days. Winds on Monday and Tuesday should be generally moderate for the southeast with freezing levels at about 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

Some isolated skier controlled soft wind slabs released from immediate lee features in the north of the region. I'm sure there was also some loose wet avalanche activity on steep, sun-exposed terrain with warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

A new layer of surface hoar and near surface facetting has developed, and we will need to track it's distribution before the next snow arrives. The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to become moist or wet, and a melt-freeze crust has likely formed with cooling. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Thin wind slabs may be lingering in the alpine, or continue to form from variable winds.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2016 2:00PM