Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2019 4:43PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

The recent snow may be touchy to human traffic. Tread cautiously and keep a conservative mindset if you notice slab properties or see signs of snow instability.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, moderate west winds, freezing level 800 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light northeast winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 800 m.MONDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light north winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 500 m.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

One small storm slab avalanche was triggered with an explosive on Saturday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow fell with strong southwest winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers, particularly once the new snow gains slab properties.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The recent storm snow may not bond well to underlying layers. Treating this snow with caution is advised. The deepest and touchiest snow may be in lee terrain features due to strong southwest winds.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.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: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2019 2:00PM