Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2021 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

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Great weather forecast for getting up high and enjoying the views. The sun is starting to pack a punch, especially on the steeper south slopes. 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tomorrow looks like another beautiful day. Clear skies, daytime high of -7 and almost calm winds. There's no snow expected, but if it shapes up like today, the blue skies are a worthy trade. We did observe strong solar today. Despite it being January, expect the sun to pack some heat. 

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Our snow pack condition varies greatly within the range. The northern portion looks wind hammered...more like clobbered actually. Hard windslabs, and even sastrugi are obvious in any open alpine area. As you move south it improves and looks better. Our trip today was around Mt Murray where the alpine windslabs were isolated and fairly well settled. The midpack generally feels solid, except for rocky thin areas-no surprise there. Below treeline is supportive with good travel. We did notice a very thin suncrust from today on steep treeline solar and new surface hoar up to about 2300m. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lots of variability on these windslabs. They are less widespread at treeline and below. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2021 3:00PM

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