Avalanche Forecast
Regions:
Isolated wind slabs are present in openings in the forest that have been more affected by the winds. With a MODERATE danger rating, they may only require the passage of a skier or snowboarder to trigger.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several natural avalanches, including a size 2 that covered both lanes of the highway, occurred along the 132 and 198 highway corridors during Thursday's storm.
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Snowpack Summary
With Thursday's storm, 15 to 25 cm of new snow was added for a total of about 20 to 35 cm above the January 18 ice crust, which is of variable hardness depending on elevation. In open areas, storm snow was moved by moderate to strong winds, first from the east and then from the west, to form isolated wind slabs up to 30 to 50 cm thick.
Under the January 18 crust, there are 15 to 20 cm of snow, generally well settled, which covers facets resulting from the decomposition of the January 2 melt-freeze crust. This interface rests on a mixture of laminated crusts and flat-faced grains at the base of the snowpack.
In general, the height of the snowpack ranges from 70 to 105 cm.
Weather Summary
A passing cold front will bring increasing cloud cover followed by a few flurries beginning early Saturday afternoon. Sunshine and cooler temperatures are expected for Sunday.
Friday evening and night: Mostly clear, southwesterly winds 20 to 30 km/h, minimum -15 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud, becoming cloudy in the afternoon followed by flurries, 1-2 cm, southerly winds 30 to 50 km/h, maximum -2 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud, becoming cloudy in the afternoon followed by flurries, 3-5 cm, westerly winds 10 to 20 km/h, maximum -13 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Monday: Periods of snow, 1-2 cm, northwesterly winds 10 to 20 km/h, maximum -12 C, freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Isolated wind slabs are present in some openings in the forest, which are more affected by the wind. They are found in particular in cross loaded areas.
Aspects: North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2