Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2019–Jan 20th, 2019

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

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

Regions: North Columbia.

Touchy slabs may exist on steep and wind loaded slopes, carefully monitor the new snow for signs of instability.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, strong southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, moderate west wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 CMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, skier traffic produced a few small (size 1) wind slabs at treeline and soft slabs below treeline. Some natural wind slabs (size 1-2) were also observed on north and east facing slopes.Slab avalanches are currently most likely in wind affected terrain. The key is watching for signs of the new snow becoming reactive, such as cracking, whumpfing, or stiffer deeper pockets of snow.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of snow has fallen in the past few days with strong wind forming deeper deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts, potentially creating touchy slab conditions. In addition to wind loaded slopes, other suspect areas are steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

15-25 cm of new snow has been blown around into reactive slabs at higher elevations. A layer of surface hoar and crusts beneath the new snow could make the slabs extra touchy.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking and recent avalanches..Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2