Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 12th, 2017–Jan 13th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

Wind slabs may be reactive to rider triggering. The safest, best riding may be in lower elevation terrain sheltered from the wind.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

The dominating arctic ridge is slowly breaking down as we transition to a more zonal (westerly) flow. Cloudy with some sunny periods, westerly winds and slightly warmer alpine temperatures will persist through the weekend. A more significant change to come early next week.Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday: Mostly cloudy skies. Ridgetop winds will be light gusting moderate from the SW-W and alpine temperatures near -14.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity reported on Thursday. With the winds recently switching directions, wind slabs should be expected on a variety of aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried a plethora of old snow surfaces which consists of wind scoured surfaces, old wind slabs, surface hoar up to 20 mm in sheltered terrain, and/or faceted old snow. Recent moderate winds from all directions is has redistributed some of this new snow on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-December persistent weak facet layer has been more prominent and reactive in the Corbin area than areas closer to Fernie. The layer is generally considered dormant at the moment, but its status may change if we head into a warmer, wetter period next week.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to rider triggering. Wind direction has changed recently and wind slabs may exist on all aspects.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Avoid areas where the surface snow feels stiff or slabby.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2