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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 3rd, 2022–Jan 4th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Continued strong easterly winds are expected to form reactive wind slabs in open terrain at all elevations.

The best and safest riding will be on wind-sheltered slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clearing skies / Moderate east wind / Low of -30

TUESDAY: Sunny / Moderate east wind / High of -24

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light east wind / High of -27

THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Moderate south wind / High of -24

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Sunday.

Several naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Saturday. The freshly formed slabs may remain reactive for longer than is typical because they are sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).

If you are out in the mountains, let us know what you see by filling out a Mountain Information Network report! ?

Snowpack Summary

Continued strong easterly winds are expected to form reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations. Freshly formed wind slabs are most likely to be found on south and westerly aspects, but older wind slabs may be found on all aspects. 

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

The base of the snowpack is composed of crusts and weak faceted grains, particularly in thin snowpack areas. These deeply buried weak layers will create large, destructive avalanches if triggered. Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.

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.