Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ldreier, Avalanche Canada

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Another 20 to 30 cm are expected overnight and keep the avalanche danger elevated even in lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation of 20 to 30 cm, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level at 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, moderate northwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level dropping to 500 m. 

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation of 20 to 35 cm, light southwest wind, treeline temperature -7, freezing level at 500 m.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwest wind, treeline temperature -12 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, no new avalanches were reported. 

On Wednesday, a few natural wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed.

Storm slabs were reactive to human traffic on Monday. It is likely that a natural avalanche cycle occurred Monday night as the snow switched to rain.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight 20 to 30 cm of snow is expected by Saturday morning down to an elevation of about 1000 m adding to the snow received on Friday. Most precipitation of the previous storm on Tuesday fell as rain below about 1500 m. 

There is uncertainty how well the new snow will bond with the old snow surface. Assess the bond of the recent snow before committing to avalanche terrain and travel conservatively.

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Another 20 to 30 cm are expected by Saturday morning adding to the snow received on Friday. With the cold temperatures snow is expected down to an elevation of 1000 m. Assess the bond of the new snow before committing to avalanche terrain and travel conservatively.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2020 5:00PM

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