Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 25th, 2022 5:22PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Brian Webster,
Lots of good skiing in sheltered areas. Remember to consider the persistent layers if venturing into bigger terrain.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A relatively benign period of weather through Thursday with mixed sun and cloud, no precip and freezing levels at valley bottom. Ridgetop winds will be in moderate range from the NW.
Snowpack Summary
Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas. New sun crusts can be expected steep on solar slopes . 30 to 60 cm of recent snow lies over a facet interface formed in late December. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 100-150cm deep producing hard to no results. Snow depth at tree-line is around 200-250 cm.
Avalanche Summary
A size three cornice triggered avalanche was observed on the east face of Carnarvon (above Hamilton Lakes in Yoho Park). This stepped down to a deeper persistent layer, which illustrates that big triggers or "hitting the sweet spot" can still produce large avalanches.
Confidence
Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Friday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have created windslabs in the alpine and some treeline locations. These slabs are now 3-4 days old and we expect their sensitivity to decrease. However, they may be more reactive where they overly facets.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). If triggered, either layer could result in large avalanches.
- Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2022 4:00PM
