Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
snow safety,
Steep solar aspects could see increase natural avalanche activity this weekend as clear skies and warmer temps heat southerly aspects.
Be mindful of overhead avalanche hazard, especial on solar aspects.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The ridge of high pressure will begin to break down on Sunday with winds becoming more westerly at ridge top. Peak wind values at ridge crest will be in the strong to extreme range through the day. Temperatures will be warmer with freezing levels near 1500m. Steep, sheltered South aspects will likely see increased warming due to solar heating.
Snowpack Summary
Recent wind and new snow have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine and some tree-line areas. The new snow overlie facets in many places resulting in wide propagations in recent avalanches. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 100-150cm deep producing hard to no results. Snow depth at tree-line is around 200-250 cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported Saturday. Avalanche control in Yoho last week produced slabs with every shot. Most were failing on a windslab or facet layer 40-60cm deep and then entraining facets in the track. One stepped down to the November facets ~ 180 cm deep.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have produced wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations. With strong to extreme wind values forecasted for Sunday this avalanche problem could be come more reactive. Watch for active loading and new slab development.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). This is primarily an issue in shallower snowpack areas.
- Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
