Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 19th, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Chris Gooliaff,
A blip of snow and strong winds this afternoon will briefly elevate danger ratings. Be poised to drop into your line early to avoid the weather.
Of note, glide cracks have been active recently. Avoid spending any time under these lurking ogres.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A mix of sun and cloud over the next few days, with a weak pulse of snow/wind tonight.
Today: mainly cloudy, brief storm late afternoon with 5-10cm snow and mod/strong SW winds, Alp high -7*C
Wed: sun/cloud with isolated flurries, Alp high -12*C, light W winds
Thurs: sun/cloud, Alp high -10*C, light E winds
Snowpack Summary
Variable snow surface, including a thin suncrust on steep S/SW asp, isolated soft slab at ridge top, and light powder on sheltered slopes. The Jan 10 surface hoar is down 35-65cm in sheltered terrain at tree-line and below. The Dec 7th surface hoar/crust/facet layer is down 1.5m. Crusts with facets at the base of the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
Few isolated natural sz 2-2.5 avalanches were observed from Lone Pine and the Macdonald gullies yesterday. A glide crack release was reported on the north side of Bruins Pass. With Lone Pine also spitting out a glide crack release last week, and cracks opening on Avalanche Crest and Teddy Bear Trees, these unpredictable hazards need to be watched.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Isolated soft slab in immediate alpine and tree-line lee features is present where winds previously blew. Use caution when entering your line and be aware of a change in the snow texture.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Fast sluffing of loose, dry powder can be powerful enough to knock over a person or bury them in a terrain trap. Be aware of your sluff when in steeper, more confined terrain.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 20th, 2021 8:00AM
