Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 17th, 2020 1:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
There has been a ton of wind in the last week and wind effect is now extremely varied throughout the region. Try to seek out the most wind sheltered terrain you can find this weekend to avoid the wind slab problem and find the best riding conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Very little change for the forecast period, although we could see some warmer temperatures at the higher elevations as a weak alpine temperature inversion begins to setup later this weekend.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Alpine temperature -25, moderate east/southeast wind, no significant precipitation expected.
SATURDAY: Scattered cloud cover, valley temperature -20, alpine temperature -15 C, moderate east/southeast wind, no significant precipitation expected.
SUNDAY: Scattered cloud cover, valley temperature -20, alpine temperature -15 C, moderate south wind, trace of snow possible.
MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, valley temperature -15, alpine temperature -10 C, moderate south wind, trace of snow possible.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations.
Snowpack Summary
Strong northeast wind has prevailed since late last week, stripping away snow in exposed terrain and depositing it in lee terrain features. Isolated wind slabs may still be found.
The prolonged cold temperatures have started to facet the upper snowpack and there has even been some surface hoar starting to develop in the trees.
Snow depths at White Pass average around 150 cm; deeper locations (higher terrain west of the highway) have as much as 200 cm. It's reasonable to expect a thin snowpack with sugary facets in the Wheaton Valley, although we don't yet have observations to confirm this.
Terrain and Travel
- Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong outflow winds have stripped away snow in exposed terrain. Wind slabs are likely growing old and tired, but there may still be pockets of wind slab that remain sensitive to human triggering. Steeper slopes near ridgecrest remain suspect.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 20th, 2020 5:00PM
