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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 26th, 2021–Jan 27th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast Inland.

Small avalanches can have big consequences if they are triggered above features like cliffs or terrain traps. The best riding will likely be found in wind sheltered areas where the snow is still soft.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / moderate southeast wind / alpine low temperature near -9 

WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -6 

THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 

Avalanche Summary

It may be possible to trigger small pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Steep terrain features with no slab may sluff when ridden.

There were a few reports of natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of recent fresh snow sits on firm wind affected snow at upper elevations, on surface hoar in some sheltered areas, on a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m, and on a sun crust on south-facing slopes. 

In the south, the underlying snowpack is well consolidated. In the north, a melt-freeze crust from early December may be found 100 to 200 cm deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer is gaining strength and has been unreactive in recent weeks.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.