Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeUse caution on wind loaded features at upper elevations. Recent New snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind has formed wind slab that may remain sensitive to rider traffic.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Monday.
On Sunday ski cutting produced one size one wind slab at treeline that ran on a crust.
Snowpack Summary
Check out this great MIN describing conditions at Shames.
5 to 15 cm of recent snow has added to the wind slab problem at treeline and above. This new snow has fallen on a crust below 1500 m. Several other crusts exist in the upper snowpack.
Two buried surface hoar layers may still be found in the mid pack in isolated areas.
Snow depths are highly variable throughout the region, ranging from 100 to 300 cm at treeline and tapering rapidly below.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow expected, east alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level falling to valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2°C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 10 to 25 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 60 km/h, freezing level rising to 800 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind direction has been variable over the past couple days. Wind slab could be found on all aspects with the largest slabs most likely to be found on northerly aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2024 4:00PM