Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 23rd, 2020 4:13PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
marcus waring,
Parks Canada
Overnight freezing levels will be high, allowing warm temperatures to saturate the front range snowpack. Watch out for wet loose avalanches at tree line and below east of the divide.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday night: Freezing level 1600m with 1- 2 mm of precipitation.
Friday: Mainly Cloudy. Freezing level 1800m. Moderate to Strong SW wind. 1-2 mm of precipitation.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Freezing level 1400m. Wind SW.
Sunday: Cloudy.1-5mm of precipitation. Freezing level 1400m.
Snowpack Summary
Strong to extreme SW winds have formed wind slabs at all elevations. These windslabs have the potential to trigger weak layers deep in the snowpack during this warm period. The base of the snowpack consists of crusts and weak facets formed early in the season. The snowpack east of the divide is significantly shallower and inherently weaker.
Avalanche Summary
Public report of Natural Sz 1-1.5 loose wet avalanche activity at Bertha Lake on Thursday January 23.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
If the snowpack dose not freeze overnight the hazard will be significantly higher.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
As temperatures warm, the basal facets may become a player again, especially in the relatively shallow front ranges. Consider overhead hazard, the consequence of a small avalanche triggering a deeper slab, and stick to deep well supported terrain.
- Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2020 4:00PM
