Cold and wind contribute to tough backcountry conditions
By Nelson Daily Staff
Although there have been no reports of avalanches in the region, not many people are out in the backcountry due to the cold temperatures and the uncertainty of the slopes.
The extreme cold temperatures are a significant mountain hazard at present, says the Canadian Avalanche Centre. They advise “wrapping” up warm and to be prepared for high wind chill.
The forecast for Friday was for slightly warmer, moist air, bringing slightly warmer temperatures and some snow showers, with five centimeters of snow likely.
If you brave the cold temperatures and wind, the main areas of concern are going to be exposed slopes high up in the alpine. Wind slab is what you’re looking out for. This can be identified by a harder, compacted feel to the snow surface, sometimes accompanied by cracks that appear below skis/sled tracks.
Other signs of wind slab include sastrugi and parallel wind ridges and pillows in the snow. If you see plumes of snow flying off ridgelines, it means that wind slabs are actively building.
If you suspect a slope is wind loaded, ask yourself: How steep is the slope? Is the terrain unsupported or has a convex shape? How big is the slope? What are the consequences of going for a ride? If the terrain is steep and unsupported, consider finding a safer route down on shallower terrain, or by choosing a line that links smaller slopes together.
Winds have been blowing from all directions, so expect to see wind slabs on a variety of aspects.
Snowpack
Most areas are still below threshold for avalanches to affect people below treeline and at treeline elevations.
In exposed areas in the alpine, expect hard wind slabs on the surface overlying weak, faceted snow.
In sheltered areas, expect generally light, low density snow. A rain crust exists in some areas around treeline.
In general the overlying snow appears well bonded to this crust.
If you are an early season enthusiast, send the CAC an email or give them a call to let them know what you saw in the mountains: forecaster@avalanche.ca or 250-837-2141 ext 230.
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