Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 29th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / southwest wind, 30-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10
THURSDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1000 m
FRIDAY - Snow, 20-30 cm / southwest wind, 40-70 km/h / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 2000 m
SATURDAY - Snow, 10-15 cm / southwest wind, 40-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1500 m
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday there were numerous reports of natural and human triggered wind and storm slab avalanches up to size 2 on all aspects, and at all elevations.
On Monday there were several reports of natural and human triggered storm and wind slab avalanches, mostly on north aspects around treeline, and mainly size 1-2, with one size 3 glide slab reported.
Due to continuous stormy weather, there have been daily avalanches reported in the region over the past week. Most of these have been storm and wind slab avalanches, on all aspects, at all elevations. They have been triggered by humans, explosives, and naturally.
Snowpack Summary
Continuous stormy weather over the past week has brought around 40-90 cm of snow to the region. Moderate to strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have likely been promoting slab development within the new snow at alpine and treeline elevations.
Recent storms have brought rain to lower elevations, so the snow surface is likely moist or wet below about 1300 m in most areas.
There is a weak layer of surface hoar that is down about 90-130 cm deep in the Selkirks and 120-160 cm deep in the Monashees and exists primarily at treeline and below treeline. This layer has not produced any recent avalanches in the region.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Wind slabs will likely be the most reactive in lee terrain features at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 30th, 2020 5:00PM
