Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 31st, 2020 8:06AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
andrew jones,
Parks Canada
With the forecasted storm, avalanche hazard is expected to reach "extreme" by early Saturday morning. All winter permit areas are closed.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A subtropical storm has arrived in the form of an atmospheric river. Expect periods of snow with 25cm of accumulation above 1700m, and rain below. Ridge winds SW 25km/h with gust to 75km/h. Alpine high -2.
The storm continues through the weekend with 25cm of snow for Saturday and 15cm for Sunday. Extreme winds will be present with gust to 95km/h
Snowpack Summary
Another 10cm of new snow fell overnight with moderate S winds, adding to existing storm slabs in cross loaded terrain and immediate lees. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, all of our persistent weak layers are currently dormant; however, they will be tested on Friday and Saturday if we receive the 75mm of forecasted precipitation.
Avalanche Summary
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred late in the evening on Wednesday January 29th. In the backcountry, Cheops North #4 (STS) ran to the valley bottom. In the highway corridor, numerous size 2.0-3.0 avalanches ran onto their fans.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Today's main problem is the result of large amounts of snow arriving with strong to extreme winds. We are mid-storm with 30cm down and approximately 60cm to go over the next 2 days. Avalanche hazard will rise sharply this afternoon.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Avoid lingering in runout zones.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are expected to rise to 1700m today, which means lots of rain for lower elevations. As the storm develops, loose wet avalanches will be possible below treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 1st, 2020 8:00AM
