Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 27th, 2019–Jan 28th, 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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

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

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.

Avalanche Problems

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