Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2019–Jan 16th, 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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Avalanche danger lingers on wind-loaded slopes and on slopes that face the sun.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Dry with clear spells. Cooling.WEDNESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures around -8C. Light easterly winds.THURSDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures around -10C. Moderate southeasterly winds.FRIDAY: Dry with increasing cloud cover. Treeline temperatures around -12C. Light southwesterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

The weekend's avalanche activity from the Microwave area near Smithers is documented well in these two MIN posts here and here. Storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed on north aspect slopes. Thanks a tonne to the riders who submitted these observations.Observations from the neighbouring NW Coastal region indicate natural avalanche activity in the recent storm snow has now ended, and I suspect a similar pattern for Inland areas. Slabs will remain triggerable on sun-affected and wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs will be most prevalent on north to east aspects. South aspect slopes will be more prone to the effect of the sun.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2