Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 30th, 2019–Jan 31st, 2019

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

Continue to observe for signs of the lingering weak layer buried in our snowpack.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear skies, freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Increasing clouds over the day, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level below valley bottom.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level below valley bottom.SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

A few small pockets of wind slabs were triggered by skiers on Wednesday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed on Wednesday or Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 cm of wind-affected snow overlies hard wind-consolidated snow in exposed terrain and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. You may be able to find isolated pockets of wind slab in steep alpine terrain features. Beneath this, around 10 to 40 cm of snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on shady and sheltered slopes. This layer may be most prominent between 1500 m and 1900 m.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Around 10 to 40 cm of snow sits above a weak layer of surface hoar and a crust on south aspects. The surface hoar is likely best preserved in shaded and sheltered areas between 1500 m and 1900 m.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2