Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2019 4:08PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Continue to observe for signs of the weak layer buried in the snowpack. A cooling trend may make it harder to trigger, but it is still possible.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, freezing level dropping to 500 m with inversion conditions possible.SUNDAY: Clearing over the day, moderate northwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Mostly clear skies, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack consists of a variety of crusts and weak layers. On the snow surface, you will likely find a sun crust on south aspects but still dry snow on northerly aspects. Buried around 10 to 20 cm, a widespread crust should be found. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most pronounced at treeline elevations.The remainder of the snowpack is generally reported as well-settled.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

20 to 40 cm of snow sits above variable crusts and a weak layer of surface hoar. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced in shaded and sheltered areas at treeline. This layer lingers in our snowpack and could still be triggered, where it exists.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2019 2:00PM