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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2022–Jan 5th, 2022
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

 Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

The best and safest riding will be on wind-sheltered slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Light variable wind / Low of -28

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light variable wind / High of -22

THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm / Moderate southeast wind / High of -18

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate west wind / High of -17

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous natural and explosive triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 3 were reported at treeline and above, on a variety of aspects. 

If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you see by filling out a Mountain Information Network report! ?

Snowpack Summary

Recent, strong northeasterly winds have formed reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations.

Freshly formed wind slabs are most likely to be found on south and westerly aspects, but older wind slabs may be found on all aspects. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

The early December rain crust is up to 10cm thick, down 80-150cm in the snowpack, and exists to an average of 1400m in elevation. Up to 2mm facets have been reported above this crust, and it is producing hard but sudden planar results in snowpack tests in areas north of Terrace. 

Avalanches on this weak layer can be best managed by avoiding likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong northeasterly winds have likely formed reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations.

Recently formed wind slabs are most likely to be found on south and westerly aspects, but older wind slabs may be found on all aspects.

Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5