Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2019 4:51PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Concern remains for the weak layers that exist near the base of the snowpack. These deep persistent weak layers can be very difficult to manage, so a conservative approach to terrain is recommended.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels and alpine temperatures are tricky to forecast in the coming days with mild temperatures and temperature inversions dominating the weather pattern this week. TUESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 30-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -9WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 40-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / Alpine temperature inversionTHURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / alpine temperature inversionFRIDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / southwest winds, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / alpine temperature inversion

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region since Saturday.On Saturday a size 2.5 explosives triggered wind slab was reported on a southeast aspect at 2000m. On Friday an explosives triggered deep persistent slab size 2.5 was reported on an east aspect at 2100m

Snowpack Summary

Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. Upwards of 50-60 cm of snow fell late last week above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds and sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find a hard crust at or near the snow surface.For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
Deeply buried weak layers remain a concern especially with rising temperatures and freezing levels.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Choose low-angled, mellow terrain without any consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Steady south and southwest winds have created wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.
If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2019 2:00PM

Login