Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 4th, 2021 4:40PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Marcus Waring,
Sheltered areas low on Forum ridge still hold some good skiing but widespread wind slab development requires careful terrain selection. Use caution in terrain that is heavily wind loaded and give cornices a wide berth.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tuesday- Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Freezing level at valley bottom with moderate to strong SW wind.
Wednesday- Cloudy with sunny periods. freezing level 1200m. SW winds strong in the morning, decreasing to moderate in the afternoon.
Thursday- Cloudy with isolated flurries. Freezing level rising to 1600m. Light to Mod SW wind.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30cm of recent storm snow has transitioned to wind slab in most areas. Fresh wind slabs sit over a persistent slab which rests on the Dec 9 crust. The Dec 9th crust is buried 30-80cm deep in the Cameron Lake area. Multiple crusts & facets form the base of the snowpack. Areas east of the divide hold a thin and structurally weaker snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 natural storm slab avalanche occurred between Jan 2nd and 3rd on a path off Mt. Rowe on the Akamina Parkway.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
The extreme SW wind that accompanied last weekend storm has created loaded pockets low in alpine start zones.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
- Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2021 4:00PM
