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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 20th, 2021–Jan 21st, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies.

The avalanche danger is dropping, but keep in mind the potential for some unstable slabs in steep alpine terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -12 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with morning fog, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -10 C.

FRIDAY: Sunny, light wind, treeline temperatures around -12 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light west wind, treeline temperature around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, although there is still lots of visible evidence from the widespread avalanche cycle that occurred on Jan 13 (storm and deep persistent slabs up to size 3). The snowpack has stabilized dramatically since then.

Snowpack Summary

A variety of wind affected surfaces covers alpine and upper treeline terrain, while a hard crust is found up to 1800 m and higher on solar slopes. A solid mid-pack sits above some decomposing crust and facet layers near the bottom of the snowpack. Avalanche activity on these layers has been sporadic, mostly triggered by large loads such as a wind slab avalanches and cornice falls. These layers are likely unreactive under the current conditions, but steep rocky slopes should still be carefully assessed and approached with caution.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.