Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 28th, 2019–Jan 29th, 2019

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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: Kootenay Boundary.

Avalanche hazard is generally decreasing. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the reactivity of a buried weak layer that has been most prevalent on shady aspects, at treeline elevations.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods / Light, northwesterly winds / Low -8 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwesterly winds / High -4 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High -5 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy / Moderate, westerly winds / High -2 C / Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface was recently impacted by strong northwest winds, the sun, and warm air temperatures. Expect to find small wind slabs in lee terrain features. On southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust may be found to the mountain top. At lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust may be found on all aspects.Below the snow surface, a widespread crust exists about 10 to 20 cm deep. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

20 to 40 cm of snow sits above crusts and a weak layer of surface hoar. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced in shaded and sheltered areas at treeline. The snow may be touchiest in lee terrain features due to recent northwest winds.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent strong northwesterly winds may have created small wind slabs on generally windward slopes at treeline and above.

Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation.Be cautious as you transition into wind effected terrain.Avoid slopes that sound hollow or “drum-like”.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5