Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 15th, 2021 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
jmacpherson,
Avalanche Canada
Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas. Alpine areas right into open tree line features have be very wind affected. Cornices are a growing concern and have started to become more active. Watch as you move into open places to see what the snow feels like under foot.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Wind were light today to 2350m but still moderate W wind right at ridge top and blowing trough mountain pass into tree line. Winds are forecasted to stay steady at 40km a ridge line into tomorrow. Mix of sun and clouds with mild temps for the next few days, new snow in the forecast.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed today in the field. The old fracture lines from the cycle in the storm are getting filled in by the wind transport.
Evidence of a very large cornice failure running to valley bottom over 48hrs ago.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread windslabs were observed in alpine terrain and also in open areas at tree line, the storm interface down 20-40cm has been tightening up and not near as reactive to compression test and ski cutting. The slab varies from Hard slab to soft slabs, would still use caution when approaching slopes with wind affect. The midpack is generally well settled over November crust that is not producing much in results in the test pits.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs are still developing following the recent storm and continued strong winds.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices have been growing and are prone to failure with all the wind and extra load.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 16th, 2021 3:00PM
