Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 6th, 2017 4:17PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includePersistent weaknesses deeper in snowpack still can't be totally trusted. Approach big open slopes with caution, especially in shallow snowpack areas.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace amounts of fresh snow, light southeasterly winds, alpine temperature around -10.SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy with light flurries, light becoming moderate southwesterly winds and alpine temperatures around -15.MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with light snow bringing up to 10 cm, alpine temperatures dropping to -20 and light to moderate southwesterly alpine wind.
Avalanche Summary
Reports from the Allen Creek area near Valemount include five recent rider-triggered persistent slab avalanches up to Size 1.5. All activity has been on northerly aspects with convex start zone above 35 degrees. Check out the MIN report for more details.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar and surface facets may buried by up to 15 cm of fresh snow in some places. In exposed areas at all elevations, recent winds have resulted in scouring, hard wind slabs, and thicker reactive wind slabs in unusual places as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Moderate southeasterly winds are likely keeping winds slabs fresh in some areas, while old wind slabs are breaking down with faceting in other areas. Persistent and deep persistent weakness in the mid and lower snowpack are giving variable results in snowpack tests, but are generally most touchy in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate but resistant results on facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December where it was found down 45 cm, and hard but sudden collapse results on the facet/crust weakness down 116 cm near the base of the snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Touchy wind slabs are lurking below ridge crests and behind terrain features on all aspects. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.
Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Triggering a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December may still be possible in parts of the region where the snowpack is shallower. Dig down and test for weaknesses before committing to any big open steep slope.
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Choose regroup spots that are out of avalanche terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2017 2:00PM