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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2015–Jan 22nd, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

Whumphing today on Mt. Field indicates the persistent layer is still reactive in open areas below treeline. The distribution of this weak layer is difficult to track, so use caution when committing to steeper terrain. Great skiing out there!

Weather Forecast

Thursday and Friday look to be similar to the last few days - mild temperatures, light winds and scattered clouds. Friday afternoon, we should see increased winds from the West and 15-20 cm's overnight with freezing levels rising to ~1500m.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack in the Emerald Lake and Mt Field area is about 130cm deep, with the main weakness being the Dec 18 surface hoar down 50 cm. This layer continues to produce moderate to hard results, but the layer is not found in all areas. We suspect some bonding is occurring with this layer, but remain careful. Buried windslabs exist in alpine areas.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanches observed, but forecasters on Mt. Field today experienced a large whumph in an open area at 1850m indicating the deeper layers are still reactive to human triggering in some areas.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Buried windslabs in leeward areas can be found up to 25 cm deep. Watch for convex rolls or other areas of wind loading where the snow can be under tension.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 18 SH continues to be found 50 cm down, but the layer becoming harder to find, and is slowly bonding to the overlying snow. Regardless, this layer  is still present and should be considered carefully

  • Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3