Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2019–Jan 23rd, 2019

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

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

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

Regions: Sea To Sky.

New snow and wind will mean that storm slabs are to be expected, and will likely be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT - Snow, 15-25 cm / southwest winds, 30-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -2 / freezing level 1100 mWEDNESDAY- Cloudy with sunny periods / northwest winds, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -1 / Freezing level 1200 mTHURSDAY - Mainly cloudy / northwest winds, 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1200 m / alpine temperature inversionFRIDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / northwest winds, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near +2 / freezing level 1200 m / possible alpine temperature inversion

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 explosives triggered avalanches were reported in the region on Tuesday.Avalanche activity quieted down on Sunday, with humans and explosives triggering a few small (size 1) wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. On Friday and Saturday, many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches within the storm snow were triggered naturally, by humans and with explosives. For examples, check out the MIN reports here and here.

Snowpack Summary

Another 20-35 cm of new snow fell between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. This brings total recent snowfall amounts to approximately 40-60cm. This new snow likely sits on a sun crust on south facing slopes and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered and shaded areas. Recent strong to extreme southerly winds will have redistributed the new snow, forming storm slabs. Expect to find deeper deposits of snow in wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Expect to find deeper deposits of new snow and more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas.

Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2