Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2019 4:53PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Today's unusual hazard rating is due to a weak layer of surface hoar that exists primarily at lower elevations. Be suspect of steep features such as open glades and gullies.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

TUESDAYÂ NIGHT - Mainly cloudy / southwest winds, 15-20 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10WEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / west winds 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with sunny periods / southwest winds 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1400 mFRIDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries / southwest winds, 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is likely a crust on south facing slopes at all elevations, and on all aspects below approximately 1500 m.15-35 cm of snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which is most prominent around treeline and below. On sun-exposed slopes, the surface hoar may be sitting on a sun crust, and below treeline it may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects.In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack is composed of facets (sugary snow). In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack appear to be generally strong.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust (on solar aspects) is buried under 15-35 cm recent snow. This weak layer is most prominent at treeline and below (1600-1900 m)

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2019 2:00PM