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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2017–Jan 4th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Sunny skies may provide temptation to go for bigger objectives but caution is necessary - cold temperatures and reverse loading from northerly winds require diligent decision-making.

Weather Forecast

Sunny but cold today, alpine temperatures will be around -20C. Ridge winds northeast 10-20 km/h. Be prepared for the unexpected - carry extra warm clothes and plan to be out well before dark. By Thursday clouds will move in, bringing milder temps and some snow.

Snowpack Summary

Mod to strong northerly winds from the last few days have formed wind slabs below ridge crests (reverse loading), although older wind slabs on northerly aspects are still present. The Dec 18 facet layer is down 80cm and the Nov 13 crust is down 1.5 - 2 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, four size 1.5 wind slab avalanches were observed in Glacier Park; three on the west aspect of Avalanche Crest and one on a north aspect triggered by a cornice. Of note at a nearby touring operation, two size 3.0 avalanches on a south aspect that initially started as wind slab avalanches, stepped down to the mid November layer.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

There is continued potential for skiers/boarders to trigger wind slabs in exposed areas at treeline/alpine elevations. These may step down to persistent weak layers. Fresh wind slabs on southerly aspects appear to be more reactive.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3