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 Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Garth Lemke,
Winds have moderated but expect wind slabs have developed at tree line and above. Although natural avalanche activity has decreased, conservative terrain selection is advised and assess every slope.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday will be clouds and sun, no new snow, -7C and light SW winds. Friday will be similar with 10-20km/hr SW winds. Saturday will be slightly cooler but very similar to previous days. No new snow is expected for the next 5 days.
Snowpack Summary
40cm of new snow from Sunday is being redistributed by SW winds mainly at exposed ridge-tops. This new snow overlies a sporadically distributed surface hoar and facet layer down 40-70cm. The mid-pack is supportive except in shallow locations. The bottom is weak facets and depth hoar.
Avalanche Summary
No patrol on Wednesday and nothing reported. Tuesday's Hilda patrol had no new. Sunday-Monday, after the 40cm storm, several large avalanches were observed in the alpine. Sunday's explosive control had varied results with some several size 3 wind slabs. Some stepped down. Make your observations count by using Mountain Information Network.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Consistent strong SW winds continue to form wind slabs treeline and above. They appear to be stubborn but be vigilant.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created reactive slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Use caution around thin to thick areas where buried weak layers could be triggered.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
- Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2021 4:00PM
