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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2020–Jan 5th, 2020
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Warming temperatures, moderate to strong SW winds and additional snow load have pushed us into high avalanche danger. 

Weather Forecast

Today, ridge winds South through West at 50-70km/h and an alpine high of -8C. Flurries, accumulating to 6cm and freezing level rising to 1000m. Flurries with moderate to strong SW wind are forecast to continue through Sunday and Monday with potential for another 25cm by Monday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

50-70cm of storm snow now sits on the Dec 27th surface hoar. Strong S-SW winds are redistributing the storm snow to alpine lees and in exposed areas at treeline. The mid and lower snowpack has been settling and gaining strength but the Dec 11th surface hoar (5-12mm) still persists down 120-160cm.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches up to size 3.5 recorded in the highway corridor. Suspect a natural avalanche cycle is occurring in the backcountry.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

60cm of storm snow this week have created slabs on all aspects. Rising temperatures and strong SW winds will make for deeper slabs in alpine and treeline lees. Large paths have the potential to run below treeline.

  • Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
  • Avoid avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3.5

Persistent Slabs

Storm slabs have the potential to step down to the December 27th or 11th surface hoar. The 27th is down 60cm and the Dec 11th layer is now buried well over a meter.

  • Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3.5