Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2020–Jan 22nd, 2020

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Columbia.

Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas, and at upper elevations. Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking and recent avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm / southwest wind, 10-30 km/h / alpine low temperature near -8

WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest wind, 10-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -8

THURSDAY - Flurries, 10-20 cm / southwest wind, 25-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1500 m

FRIDAY - Flurries,10 cm / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been reports of a several natural and explosives triggered storm and wind slab avalanches, mostly size 1.5-2, with a few size 2.5-3, on Sunday and Monday

A few small (size 1) storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by humans on Saturday. They were generally 10 to 20 cm thick and on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 to 40 cm of snow has fallen over the past few days. Fresh snow combined with recent moderate winds and relatively warm temperatures will mean that storm slabs have likely formed in many areas.

A layer of surface hoar buried 80 to 150 cm deep could still be a concern in certain parts of the Selkriks and the northern end of the Monashees.

Terrain and Travel

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Around 15 to 40 cm of snow has accumulated over the past few days and has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly wind. The deepest and touchiest slabs will likely be in lee terrain features near ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A layer of surface hoar is buried 80 to 150 cm deep in the Selkirks and northern tip of the Monashees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3