Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2019 5:13PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Hazard may be one step higher if the storm arrives earlier than expected.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, northwesterly winds / Low 1 C / Freezing level 1000 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm. / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / High 1 C / Freezing level 1300 m.THURSDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-15 cm. / Strong, southwesterly winds / Freezing level 800 m.FRIDAY: Snow; 10-20 cm. / Moderate, southwesterly winds / High -2 C / Freezing level 900 m. SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, westerly winds / High -3 C / Freezing level 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Currently, there is a smorgasbord of snow surfaces out there. Sunny skies and a temperature inversion have created crusts on all but northerly aspects. Many north facing alpine slopes are wind-pressed and sheltered north facing terrain have large surface hoar (10-20 mm) and surface facets. Both these crystal types form weak layers, but the surface hoar tends to be more reactive.There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers in the upper snowpack which suggests they are bonding well to the snow above them.The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs may form if the snow arrives earlier than forecast.
Stay alert to changing conditions with elevation.Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2019 2:00PM