Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Practice good travel habits and remember triggering wind slab avalanches is possible on steep alpine slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
A weak front crossing the region brings clouds and light snow over the weekend.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, moderate northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -8 C.
SATURDAY: Sunny in the morning the clouding over in the afternoon, moderate northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -6 C.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries and 5-10 cm of snow, moderate west wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind, treeline temperatures around -8 C.
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanche activity has been reported since Tuesday. In the week leading up to Tuesday there were several widespread natural avalanche cycles with size 1-3 storm slabs in the south of the region (see some photos in MIN reports here and here) and some very large size 3-4 deep persistent slab avalanches in the north.
The snowpack is rapidly gaining strength and lingering wind slabs at upper elevations are the primary concern now. If you are travelling to northern parts of the region (e.g. Stewart or Ningunsaw), then persistent slabs should be on your radar as well.
Snowpack Summary
Cold clear weather is forming surface hoar and soft faceted surfaces. Alpine terrain has lingering wind slabs and a shallowly buried crust exists below 1000 m. A total of 100-150 cm of settled snow has fallen in January, which has helped strengthen early season weak layers. Deeper layers have gone inactive in the southern part of the region, however in the northern part of the region (e.g. Bear Pass, Ningunsaw) there has still been regular avalanche activity on weak snow at the bottom of the snowpack.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Reactive wind slabs may be found on steep alpine slopes and along ridgetops.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
