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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2022–Jan 3rd, 2022

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

Regions

Northwest Inland.

20-60 cm of recent snow and strong winds from a variety of directions have formed reactive wind slabs on all aspects at treeline and above.

 Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. 

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong southeast wind / Low of -22

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Moderate southeast wind / High of -20

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

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light variable wind / High of -26

Avalanche Summary

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

20-60 cm of recent snow and strong winds from a variety of directions have formed reactive wind slabs at treeline and above. The freshly formed slabs may remain reactive for longer than is typical because they are sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).

In open areas, this new snow is sitting on a heavily wind effected surface, comprised of old harder wind slabs, sastrugi, and areas stripped back to the ground or early season crusts. In sheltered areas, the new snow overlies up to 30 cm of low density, faceted snow from two weeks of prolonged cold temperatures. 

The mid pack is well settled. An early season crust exists near the base of the snowpack. Faceting has been observed around this crust, with no recent avalanche or snowpack test reactivity. Snowpack depth at treeline ranges from 150-230 cm, with highest values in the western part of the forecast region. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • 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.