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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2020–Jan 25th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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: Kootenay Boundary.

Triggering avalanches remains likely where new snow and wind has formed storm slabs, especially at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperature -5 C. Southwest wind 20-35 km/hr.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm. Alpine temperature -2 C. Southwest wind 20-30 km/hr. Freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Snow, 10-20 cm. Alpine temperature -2 C. Southwest wind 30-40 km/hr. Freezing level 1400 m.

MONDAY: Flurries, up to 10 cm. Alpine temperature -4 C. Southwest wind 15-20 km/hr with gusts to 50 km/hr. Freezing level 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

Early reports on Friday documented numerous small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches triggered by explosives. 

On Thursday, skiers triggered size 1-2 storm slab avalanches including this MIN report of a skier triggered avalanche at Kootenay Pass. This avalanche was triggered on a south aspect at treeline and ran for a long distance above the recently buried crust. Several loose wet avalanches were reported on southerly aspects below 2000 m.

No persistent slab avalanches have been observed since January 14, suggesting deep weak layers have become difficult to trigger under the current conditions.

Snowpack Summary

With 20-40 cm of snow over the past few days, expect to find fresh storm and wind slabs. Warm temperatures have promoted settlement in the upper snowpack and moist surface snow below 1700 m. This new snow sits above a thin crust layer that formed last weekend. 

We have been tracking two layers over the past month: a layer of surface hoar buried 80-120 cm below the surface and faceted crystals and crusts near the bottom of the snowpack in certain parts of the region (especially western areas such as the Rossland Range and Boundary region). Both of these layers have shown signs of being less reactive over the past 10 days.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow, wind, and mild temperatures continue to form reactive storm slabs, especially at higher elevations and in wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2