Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 2nd, 2017–Jan 3rd, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Be extra cautious around south slopes: they're weak, wind-loaded, and getting hit by the sun.

Confidence

High - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast winds, alpine temperatures around -20.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light north winds, alpine temperatures around -20.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest winds, alpine temperatures around -18.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, isolated wind slab activity was reported including human and naturally triggered size 1 avalanches on unsupported (convex) features. Expect wind slabs to remain reactive to human triggers in specific areas, such as the immediately lee of ridges and on sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds on Sunday had an extensive effect in exposed terrain at all elevations. Expect scouring, hard wind slabs, and thicker reactive wind slabs in unusual places as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Sunny weather is likely making the wind slabs extra touchy on south-facing slopes. The mid-December facet/surface hoar layer can be found buried 70-120 cm deep, and has been showing signs of gaining strength recently with little to no recent avalanche activity in the region. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Southerly aspects are wind loaded and becoming unstable with solar warming. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Minimize exposure to steep, planar south facing alpine slopesBe cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2