Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2019 4:39PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Hazard is expected to rise on Friday with the incoming storm. Uncertainty still exists regarding the reactivity of a buried weak layer that has been most prevalent on shady aspects, at treeline elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, northwesterly winds / Low -7 C / Freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy / Moderate, westerly winds / High 0 C / Freezing level 1000 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 5-20 cm. / Strong, southwesterly winds / High -2 C / Freezing level 500 m. SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 5-10 cm. / Moderate, southwesterly winds / High -3 C / Freezing level 400 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

There is currently a wide variety of snow surfaces. Sun crusts on south aspects to mountaintops, some of which have small surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) growing on top, which is a particularly nasty combination. Most exposed alpine areas have been heavily wind effected. 5-10 mm surface hoar has been widespread in areas that are protected from sun and wind.Around 20 to 40 cm down, expect to find a crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is currently the primary layer of concern and may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. However, no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.

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.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2019 2:00PM