Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2017 4:24PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Be extra cautious around south slopes: they're weak, wind-loaded, and getting hit by the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -20.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -18.THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light northwest winds, alpine temperatures around -16.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, wind slabs were reactive to human triggers on south and west facing slopes, as reports included ski cutting and remote triggering of size 1-1.5 avalanches. Natural wind slab activity in the size 1-2 range was also reported on Sunday and Monday. Expect wind slabs to remain reactive to human triggers in specific areas, such as the immediately lee of ridges and on sun-exposed slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds on Sunday had an extensive effect in exposed terrain at all elevations. Expect scouring, hard wind slabs, and thicker reactive wind slabs in unusual places as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Sunny weather is likely making wind slabs extra touchy on south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar layer can be found buried 80-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with little to no recent avalanche activity in the region. The layer may still be reactive in isolated areas such as steep south-facing slopes and thin snowpack areas. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Southerly aspects are wind loaded and becoming unstable with solar warming. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.
Minimize exposure to steep, planar south facing alpine slopesAvoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2017 2:00PM
