Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 28th, 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.
Lisa Paulson,
The danger remains Moderate due to uncertainty around the deeper facets, especially in Kootenay. It is very difficult to estimate whether a slope will avalanche with these types of layers. Your terrain choices will be the best risk management.
Summary
Weather Forecast
For Saturday and Sunday, temperatures will range from -10C to -3C and winds will remain strong from the West. No snow is expected until Sunday night when an Arctic cold front moves down the Rockies dropping temperatures as we head into next week.
Snowpack Summary
Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas and suncrust on steep south facing terrain. In sheltered areas, 20-40 cm of soft snow overlies facets and a (Dec 2) crust/facet interface generally 60-100cm deep. This layer continues to produce sudden test results in Kootenay Park.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new reported on Thursday/Friday. A size 2 natural avalanche was reported Wednesday above the ice climb Bourgeau Left. It did not run over the climb and dug down to deeper facets in some areas.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have created windslabs in the alpine and some treeline locations. Older wind slabs are likely losing some reactivity, but 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 the late December facet layer. Lots of variation in the sensitivity ranging from reactive sudden collapse to no results depending on location, aspect and elevation.
- 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 29th, 2022 4:00PM
