Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2017 4:09PM

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

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South Columbia.

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

Summary

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2017 2:00PM

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