Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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An intense storm will load the mountains with snow, making very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalache terrain is not recommended on Sunday.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 25 to 35 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 15 to 25 cm, strong southwest wind, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 800 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, light southwest wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level 500 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with rain, accumulation 70 to 80 mm, strong southwest wind, treeline temperature 2 C, freezing level 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have not been many observations due to the stormy weather, but it is expected that many loose wet avalanches occurred at lower elevations on Friday and storm slab avalanches released at higher elevations. Storm slab avalanches are expected to be very likely to occur on Saturday night and Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 40 to 60 cm of snow is forecast to fall above 800 m Saturday night and Sunday. This snow may not bond well to underlying layers of wet snow at lower elevations and either a melt-freeze crust or hard wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Avoid the runout zones of avalanche paths. Avalanches could run full path.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

40 to 60 cm of snow with associated strong southwest wind is forecast to accumulate at all elevation bands. A natural avalanche cycle is expected to occur during periods of heavy snowfall.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2020 5:00PM

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