Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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 A brief clearing on Saturday before we start to see some more precipitation on Sunday and Monday. Wind slabs at uppermost elevations are the main concern. 

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

Friday Night: Mainly cloudy with flurries, light west wind, treeline high temperature -1 C freezing level 800 m.

Saturday: Cloudy with sunny breaks, moderate southwest wind, treeline high temperature 3, freezing level 1300 m.

Sunday: Flurries or rain showers, moderate southwest wind, treeline high temperature near 2 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Monday: Snow or rain, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature 4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of avalanche activity on Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday there were reports of a few explosives controlled size 1-1.5 storm slab avalanches at 1200 m on a west aspect. As well, there were several MIN reports outlining easily triggered storm slabs at treeline during Tuesday afternoon's storm. Check out the MIN reports here and here

Snowpack Summary

Snow at uppermost elevations from earlier this week has likely been wind affected. Recent snow may contain and/or sit on a crust. Below the 1300 m elevation band the snow surface is likely moist, wet or refrozen as a surface crust. 

The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent strong southerly wind has likely created windslabs slabs at uppermost elevations in lee terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2021 4:00PM