Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2019–Jan 8th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Recent winds have left behind wind slabs on lee slopes. Keep track of where you are in the terrain to avoid these areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Around 5 cm snow beginning around midday. Freezing level at valley bottom. Moderate southerly winds. Alpine high -5. Expect a further 5 cm snow overnight.WEDNESDAY: 5-10 cm snow. Freezing level near 800 m. Moderate southerly winds. Alpine high near -3. Expect a further 5-10 cm snow overnight. THURSDAY: 2-5 cm snow. Freezing level rising to near 1400 m. Moderate south-westerly winds. Alpine high near -1. More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, several explosives-triggered avalanches to size 2 were reported in the region at or near treeline on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

25-40 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. Moderate to strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation. The storm snow sits on several layers of small surface hoar (feathery crystals) and thin crusts. Recent snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. The most prominent weak layer in the snowpack is a layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-120 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have left behind a variety of wind slabs at all elevations.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2