Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mmueller, Avalanche Canada

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It looks as though we have one more day to go before the next storm arrives. As always, if the new snow comes early expect a quick increase in avalanche hazard.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

A warm front is on the way and its scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. Temps will rise to -4 by mid afternoon, snow will start in the morning and winds will pick up as the day goes on. Most of the snow will come on Saturday. Tomorrow will only see 5-10cm and moderate winds out of the SW.

Avalanche Summary

nothing new today

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind affect at all elevations. The upper snow pack is a series of windslabs stacked on top of each other. They feel as though they are weakening (ie softening) with the recent flatline weather pattern. In a pit today, there was 135cm of snow, with the lower 30cm consisting of facets & depth hoar. Tests were inconsistent with the deep persistent layer. 

Terrain and Travel

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The windslabs are stacked up on each other and may have weak layers hidden in between them.  

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

It is worth to dig a pit to ground to see the severity of this basal layer. If it hasnt yet slid, treat it with a high degree of suspicion and respect. If it goes, it will be big. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2020 4:00PM

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