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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 28th, 2020–Jan 29th, 2020
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Ridge-top winds continue to create slabs in lee and exposed features. Steep, unsupported slopes should be treated with caution, especially if the surface feels stiff underfoot.

Weather Forecast

Weak storms the next 3 days, then a warm whopper Fri/Sat.

Today: Isolated flurries, alpine high -6*C, fzl rising to 1300m, light SW winds

Wed: Flurries, 5-10cm snow, alpine high -6*C, fzl rising to 1300m, mod/strong SW winds

Thurs: Flurries, 10cm snow, alpine high -6*C, fzl 1200m, mod/strong SW winds

Fri:/Sat Snow, 55cm, alp high -1*C, fzl 1900m

Snowpack Summary

Periods of moderate to strong southerly winds have created pockets of windslab on lee features, especially on northerly aspects. The mild temps are promoting settlement in the upper snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Saturday, skiers in the Forever Young couloir (a high, northerly aspect) triggered a size 2 avalanche which resulted in partial burials and serious injuries. Skiers also triggered avalanches on NRC (cross-loaded slope), Video Peak and Grizzly Couloir (sun crust) this past week.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Light snowfall, combined with periods of moderate to strong wind, have loaded lee slopes. Pockets of wind slab exist in the alpine/upper tree-line. On Sat, 2 skiers were seriously injured in an avalanche they triggered in the Forever Young couloir.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2