Wonky Weather

Late January has proven to be a trying time for the BC ski industry in the Columbia Mountains. Two weeks without snow coupled with a nasty melt freeze crust on all aspects that was breakable in some places and supportive in others, shut down numerous heli ski operations while cat ski operators were purveying cat serviced groomer programs. Ski touring operations were able to focus on big tours and creamed out the more skiable terrain. The Rockies skied quite a bit better through the drought.

During the drought, avalanche hazard transitioned to low across the board and some folks chose to go big game hunting; some seldom repeated descents were ticked off such as the North face of Mt Bryce and Mt Dawson's Comstock Couloir.

Over the two week dry spell significant surface faceting and surface hoar growth occurred. This wide spread surface condition will be our layer of concern for the foreseeable future.

Snowpack Concerns

January 26/28 SH/ MFcr/ FC PWL This is the layer that was just buried and has become reactive to skier traffic. Currently it is buried 25-60cm deep through out the Powder Highway region. In the alpine, it is buried deeper on lee features. Expect the need to manage this layer for a while, as it will take a long time to heal.

Check out this MIN Report from the Revelstoke area.

Reactive Storm Slab/ Jan 28 Layer in 5 Mile

Outlook

After this pulse of precipitation, ridge of high pressure will develop along with an alpine inversion. Hopefully the models hold true and there is precipitation inbound for next weekend. Ultimately, given the nature of the Jan 28 interface, there is a requisite change in strategic mindset from last week. Triggering an avalanche took some effort over the past couple of weeks, you really had to be hunting for one to do so. That time has passed and moving forward, the Jan 28 layer will be primed for human triggers. When the sun comes out this week, make good decisions, as day time warming and the nature of the Jan 28 layer will provide a recipe for avalanches.

Check out the Mountain Weather FX for more details.