Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2019 4:14PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Continue to use caution due to the weak layer buried in the snowpack and effects from recent wind transportation.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, freezing level below valley bottom.MONDAY: Clear skies with afternoon clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Clear skies, light west winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Small wet loose avalanches were observed on southerly aspects on Saturday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface was recently impacted by strong northwest winds, the sun, and warm air temperatures. Expect to find wind slabs in lee terrain features due to the winds. On southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust may be found to the mountain top. At lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust may be found on all aspects.Below the snow surface, a widespread crust exists about 10 to 20 cm deep. 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 in sheltered and shaded locations.The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
20 to 40 cm of snow sits above crusts and a weak layer of surface hoar. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced in shaded and sheltered areas at treeline. The snow may be touchiest in lee terrain features due to recent northwest winds.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2019 2:00PM