Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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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.

Summary

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

An icon showing Wind Slabs

It may be possible to trigger small pockets of windslab at upper elevations. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2021 4:00PM

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