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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2019–Jan 9th, 2019
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Snowfall amounts and freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday. Be ready to adjust your plans according to conditions as you find them.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: 5-10 cm snow. Freezing level at valley bottom. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. Alpine high near -6. WEDNESDAY: 5-10 cm snow. Freezing level near 1000 m. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. Alpine high near -3. Expect a further 5-10 cm snow overnight. THURSDAY: 2-5 cm snow. Freezing level rising to near 1500 m. Moderate south-westerly winds. Alpine high near -1. FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries. Freezing level near 1400 m. Light south-westerly winds. Alpine high near -1. More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Several small wind slabs were triggered by people on Monday on north to north-east aspects near treeline. On Sunday, several explosives-triggered avalanches to size 2 were reported in the region at or near treeline on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow and winds have created variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. Around 1 m down in the snowpack is a buried weak layer that formed in early December. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professionals continue to monitor this interface as it has potential to produce large avalanches, although the likelihood of triggering has gone down. It is most likely to be triggered from a thin-spot trigger point or with a large load, like cornice fall.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow is adding to existing storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind-loaded slopes are most likely encountered lee to the south-west.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes.Avoid steep convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2