Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Lots of recent fresh snow, strong southwest winds, and a buried weak layer means that human triggered avalanches remain likely for now. Choose conservative terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -8
WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1400 m
THURSDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -7
FRIDAY - Mainly sunny / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -3, slight temperature inversion
Avalanche Summary
Fresh snow and wind may continue to overload a weak layer of surface hoar that has been observed in the areas surrounding Valemount. Human triggered avalanches are likely.
Field observations in this region are limited. If you get out, please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
20-50 cm of recent fresh snow now reportedly sits on a weak layer of surface hoar in the areas near Valemount.
A persistent weak layer is now down about 50 to 100 cm. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas, it's surface hoar and/or a crust. In other areas, this layer may be difficult to find, if it exists at all. Recent human triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer and have been most numerous in the areas surrounding Valemount.
There is a prominent crust near the base of the snowpack. This crust likely has weak facets above and/or below it. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, but would be most likely to trigger in steep, shallow, rocky terrain, with a thin to thick snowpack.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
- Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
- Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent fresh snow and wind has formed storm slabs in many areas that will likely still be easy to trigger, including at lower elevations where it may sit on a buried weak layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Concern remains for a weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm. This layer has been found to be most prevalent at treeline and below treeline in areas near Valemount.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2021 4:00PM
