Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2022 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
Avoid wind-loaded terrain features and look for signs of instability such as whumpfing, shooting cracks, hollow sounds, and recent avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Strong northeast wind / Low of -30
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong northeast wind / High of -25
TUESDAY: Sunny / Strong northeast wind / High of -27
WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light northeast wind / High of -30
Avalanche Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) has been reported down 20-50 cm in some areas.
The lower snowpack is made up of weak sugary snow. An avalanche at this interface is most likely to be triggered in shallow areas or with a large impact like a cornice fall or a larger wind slab avalanche that steps-down to these deeply buried weak layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Wind Slabs
20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.
New wind slabs aren't likely to bond very well to the old hard slab and faceted surfaces below. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A crust buried near the bottom of the snowpack has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario, that if triggered, would result in a very large avalanche.
Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2022 3:00PM
