Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2019–Jan 20th, 2019

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

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Expect to find extensive wind effect, resulting from recent extreme winds. Travel cautiously and observe for the bond of the snow with underlying layers before committing to avalanche terrain.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, light to moderate west winds, freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Clearing skies, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 900 m.MONDAY: Clear with a few clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 600 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

Many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches with the storm snow were triggered naturally, by skiers, and with explosives on Friday and Saturday. See here for an example.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow fell in the region, with associated extreme south winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow has been redistributed by extreme southwest winds. Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Use caution on all aspects without wind effect, as the recent snow may not bond well to underlying layers.

Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5