Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2019 4:58PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Warm, windy and snowy! Storm slabs are likely to be encountered and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-10 cm / south winds, 40-60 km/h / alpine low temperature near -2 / freezing level 1000 m / possible alpine temperature inversionFRIDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / south winds, 30-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1500 m / possible alpine temperature inversionSATURDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries, 2-5 cm / south winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1500 m / possible alpine temperature inversionSUNDAY - Mainly cloudy with flurries, 2-5 cm / south winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1500 m / possible alpine temperature inversion

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Field observations are limited in this region, tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh wind slabs.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 30-50 cm deep. The next layer is likely 60-80 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-140 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Recent new snow combined with warm temperatures and strong winds has formed storm slabs. These will likely be the most reactive in wind loaded areas.
If triggered, storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2019 2:00PM

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