Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 6th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Wet loose avalanches are expected to be widespread as the upper snowpack becomes saturated with rain. Above the rain-snow line, storm slabs will rapidly build and form very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain below 1500 m, accumulation 30 to 45 mm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature 2 C, freezing level 1700 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with rain, accumulation 40 to 70 mm, strong to extreme southwest wind, treeline temperature 3 C, freezing level 1600 m.
WEDNESDAY: Morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, light to moderate northwest wind, treeline temperature -5 C, freezing level 500 m.
THURSDAY: Clear skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level below valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
Small storm slab avalanches were triggered by humans and explosives on Sunday. They were releasing within the recent storm snow.
As the snow switches to rain, avalanche activity is expected to increase. Wet loose avalanches are expected to occur below the rain-snow line and storm slab avalanches above.
Snowpack Summary
An increase of freezing level to around 1700 m and around 100 mm of forecast rain will soak the previously dry snowpack. The rain will rapidly increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanche activity Monday night into Tuesday. Above the rain-snow line, storm slabs will likely build and a natural avalanche cycle is possible.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
- Avoid traveling in runout zones. Avalanches have the potential to run to the valley floor.
Problems
Loose Wet
As the snow switches to rain, wet loose avalanche activity is expected to spike. All slopes should be treated as suspect as the snow becomes saturated.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are expected to build above the rain-snow line. This is likely to occur in alpine terrain and potentially at treeline elevations. A natural avalanche cycle may occur during periods of rapid snow loading.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 7th, 2020 5:00PM
