Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human traffic. We've received quite the dump of snow in the past week, which may take a bit more time to stabilize. 

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation trace in the north of the island and 5 in the south, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 50 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

SUNDAY: Early-morning snowfall then partly cloudy, accumulation 5 cm, 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature 3 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several wind slab avalanches were triggered around treeline elevations on Thursday, all within the recent 10 to 30 cm of storm snow.

Avalanche activity may decrease for Friday, but it still remains possible that humans could trigger recently formed slabs.

We'd appreciate any observations while you are out travelling, even just a photo, on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Storm and wind slabs have formed from around 30 to 50 cm of recent snow. The storm slabs are likely found in areas sheltered from the wind while wind slabs are likely found in lee terrain features at higher elevations. This snow builds on the 100+ cm of snow that has fallen since January 1, which reports indicate is bonding well to the snowpack.

The middle and base of the snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • The new snow may require another day to settle and stabilize.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Slabs formed from recent storm snow may still be triggered. Wind slabs may be the touchiest, existing in lee terrain features from strong east to southwest wind. Storm slabs may still be found in sheltered terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2022 4:00PM

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