Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Backcountry Advisory

Avalanche danger considerable

Forecast of avalanche danger as of Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006

Alpine:

CONSIDERABLE

Treeline:

CONSIDERABLE

Below Treeline:

CONSIDERABLE

Travel Advisory:

The current pattern of snowstorms alternating with brief clear breaks has had a very positive effect on the snow quality in our area. While many terrain traps and hazards are still lurking, the coverage is much better. Unfortunately we are expecting the pattern to continue with increasing freezing levels resulting in more slab formation over the current loose snow.

Avalanche Activity:

Numerous size 1 and 2 avalanches were released on Monday with both ski and explosive testing. Crowns up to 70 cm deep from steep rocky and previously unskiable areas were observed in the ski area and near country.

Snowpack:

The rain-soaked snow from Christmas Eve has been buried by about one metre of storm snow. A solid crust has formed at this interface where the storm snow accumulation has been kept thin by wind scouring. In deeper accumulation areas the moist snow is well insulated and will take some time to form a crust. The bond of the storm snow at the Christmas interface has been good wherever it has been observed. Shears in the storm snow are slow and variable.

Weather:

 The pattern of cool snowstorms will give way to milder conditions which should continue into the weekend.

— Blackcomb Snow Safety