Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mmueller, Avalanche Canada

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Even warmer temps on the way for later in the week. It won't take much for the avalanche scales to tip with respect to weather inputs. Watch for rapid warming, especially if the sun comes out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Flurries tomorrow with no significant accumulation. Temps will hit -7 as the afternoon high. The winds will be mostly light, but picking up in the late afternoon to 100K+ in the high alpine.

Avalanche Summary

There was a size 2.5 in the alpine last night or early this morning on Mt. Burstall. It was a high, NE facing slope above the French Glacier.

Snowpack Summary

Wind last night caused another round of rapid loading in the alpine and treeline. Things generally look scoured and worked by the wind. We are in need of fresh snow! The new windslabs are concerning as they are poorly bonded for now and stiff in character. The other concern is still the deep layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

There are several generations of wind slabs that need some more time to heal.  

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

It is worth to dig a pit to ground to see the severity of this basal layer. If it hasnt yet slid, treat it with a high degree of suspicion and respect. If it goes, it will be big. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2020 4:00PM