Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2022 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

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20-30 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.

Avoid wind-loaded terrain features and look for signs of instability such as whumpfing, shooting cracks, hollow sounds, and recent avalanches. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 3-10 cm / Strong northeast wind / Low of -28

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Strong northeast wind / High of -25

MONDAY: Sunny / Strong east wind / High of -26

TUESDAY: Sunny / Strong east wind / High of -28

Avalanche Summary

20-30 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.

A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) has been reported down 20-50 cm in some areas.

The lower snowpack is made up of weak sugary snow. An avalanche at this interface is most likely to be triggered in shallow areas or with a large impact like a cornice fall or a larger wind slab avalanche that steps-down to these deeply buried weak layers.

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

20-30 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.

New wind slabs aren't likely to bond very well to the old hard slab and faceted surfaces below. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A crust buried near the bottom of the snowpack has created a low likelihood, high consequence scenario, that if triggered, would result in a very large avalanche.

Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep, rocky slopes, with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2022 3:00PM