Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 2nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Conrad Janzen,
Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas, and conditions are slowly improving. Use caution in wind loaded areas, keep an eye on the Dec 2 interface, and stay prepared for the continued cool temperatures!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Moderate gusting to strong SW winds in the alpine on Sunday night, dropping into the moderate range on Monday with treeline temperatures steady in the -15 C range. A few flurries are expected with up to 5 cm of accumulation and a generally cloudy day on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of snow overnight with strong SW winds up high. Wind slabs are present in lee areas of the alpine and some treeline locations with wind effect in open alpine areas. 50-70 cm over the Dec 2 crust/facet combo which exists below 2200 m. Shallow snowpack areas (<100cm) have weaker basal facets. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120-160 cm.
Avalanche Summary
Some size 1-2 wind slab avalanches triggered by explosives and ski cutting at the local ski areas Sunday. A couple cornice failures creating small avalanches in steep terrain but very little natural activity overall. Still keeping in mind the skier triggered size 2 avalanche Thursday in Kootenay on the Dec 2 crust/facet interface at about 2000 m.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous strong SW winds have created wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline lee areas. These have been a bit more stubborn than expected but could still be triggered by skiers in steep terrain, especially in the alpine.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Dec. 2 crust/facet layer down 50-70 cm has not been a widespread problem, but a skier triggered avalanche in Kootenay on Thursday shows that it has potential to occur. Keep monitoring this carefully if you are looking at steep committing terrain.
- Be cautious with steep or unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
