Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Natural avalanche activity has eased.

With fresh slabs perched atop a weak layer, human triggering is a very real possibility.

A sz 2 wind slab was triggered by a skier part way down Forever Young, resulting in injuries.

A sz 1.5 wind slab on the Ravens was observed while flying to the above accident.

Neighboring operations report that the Jan 7th/9th surface hoar is starting to become reactive as well but we have not seen activity on this layer in the park yet.

A widespread, 20-40cm thick surface slab of varying density is producing easy results in snowpack tests. It sits atop a weak layer of surface hoar and/or sun crusts (on steep solar aspects). Northerly winds are reverse-loading start zones in the Alpine.

Below this interface are firm, wind pressed surfaces in exposed areas and low density sugary snow in sheltered areas.

The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, comprised of surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.

Continuing cold with ridge winds decreasing later in the week.

Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -20°C. Ridge wind E-25km/h.

Wed A mix of sun & cloud. Isolated flurries (trace amounts). Alpine high -17°C. Ridge wind SW-15km/h.

Thurs A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -16°C. Ridge wind W-15km/h.

Fri Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high -15°C. Light ridge wind.

• Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.