Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2020–Jan 30th, 2020

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

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Use caution as you transition into wind exposed terrain, recent new snow combined with southwest winds have likely promoted wind slab development at upper elevations.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10

THURSDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1100 m

FRIDAY - Snow, 20-30 cm / southwest wind, 40-70 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1800 m

SATURDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / west wind, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1000 m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, there was a report of a size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche on a north aspect at 1900 m in an area southwest of Valemount.

On Saturday there was one notable report of a size 3 persistent slab avalanche southwest of Valemount that was remotely triggered (triggered from a distance) by a group of people.

Over the past week there have been reports of numerous size 1-2.5 storm slab avalanches on all aspects at all elevations. These were mostly natural avalanches, with a few explosives triggered avalanches as well.

Snowpack Summary

The past week has brought around 30-60 cm of new snow to the Cariboos with strong southwest winds and warm temperatures. Wind slabs have likely been forming in lee terrain features.

Recent rain at lower elevations means that the snow surface is likely either moist or wet snow below about 1300 m in many areas.

There is a weak layer of surface hoar now buried 70 to 130 cm. This layer has produced very few recent avalanches in the region, though it could still be triggered in isolated areas.

Terrain and Travel

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs will likely be the most reactive in lee terrain features at upper elevations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2