Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2019 4:33PM

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

dboucher, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Light snowfalls for Friday and more significant accumulations starting late Friday. Avalanche hazard will increasing for the weekend with new snow, strong winds and rising freezing level.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, snow accumulation up to 5 cm, light to moderate winds from south, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level at valley bottom.FRIDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, snow accumulation up to 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at 1300 m.SATURDAY: Periods of snow, accumulation ranging from 10 to 15 cm, strong to extreme winds from southwest, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at 1300 m.SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, snow accumulation up to 5 cm, moderate to strong west winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level at 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was observed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Expected snowfalls starting Thursday night will accumulate over a variety of surfaces. Those snowpack surfaces include a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15-20 mm in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation. New wind slabs may also form on north and northeast aspects in the alpine on Friday.The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may form on north and northeast aspects in the alpine on Friday.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading may have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2019 2:00PM