Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
At elevations where the snowpack was soaked by rain, avalanche danger will decrease through the early morning as freezing levels drop and the snowpack refreezes. Storm slabs may remain reactive where snow accumulated in the high alpine.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Friday night: 20-80 mm of rain. Extreme southwest wind. Freezing level 1800 m.
Saturday: Wet flurries bringing up to 5 mm water equivalent in the morning as freezing level drops. Clearing skies. Wind easing to moderate northwest. Freezing level 700 m.
Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud with flurries bringing up to 5 cm new snow. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 400 m.
Monday: Mix of sun and cloud. Up to 5 cm new snow overnight. Light northwest wind. Freezing level 300 m.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity from Friday has not yet been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Storm slabs may exist in the high alpine and where snow accumulated after freezing levels peaked and began to drop toward the tail end of the storm. It will likely be dense, wind pressed and well adhered to old surfaces. At lower elevations, the saturated snowpack will start to refreeze from the surface down with dropping temperatures and clearing skies Saturday morning. A dusting of new snow may sit on top of the crust. Once refrozen, the snowpack will resemble one burly block with little avalanche potential, 150-250 cm deep around the peaks of the north shore mountains.
Terrain and Travel
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs may exist in the high alpine and where snow accumulated after freezing levels peaked and began to drop toward the tail end of the storm. This snow will have fallen on a moist surface and is likely bonding well.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2020 5:00PM
