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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 21st, 2024–Jan 22nd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir, Crawford, Moyie, St. Mary, Kokanee, Retallack.

In areas where snowfall amounts exceeds 20 cm expect the new storm slab to be reactive to human triggering.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday numerous reports of small avalanches (size 1.5) and noted settlement and whumpfs during field travel. On Friday, both natural and explosive controlled large (size 2) wind slab avalanches have been reported at elevations above 2200 m and on north aspect terrain. On Thursday extensive explosive control at a number of professional operations, produced large both wind and storm slab avalanches up to size (2.5).

Snowpack Summary

As temperatures have increased 10-25 cm of recent snow has settled and in some areas is becoming unconsolidated. Below, you will find weak, and faceted snow in many areas and wind-affected surfaces in open areas.

A layer of surface hoar is found down 70 cm in sheltered, north-facing terrain. This layer appears as a sun crust on south-facing slopes. Expect this layer to be reactive to human triggering.

A thick crust deep in the snowpack largely protects any weak layers further down in the snowpack from being triggered.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mainly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.

Monday

Mainly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected. Southeast ridgetop wind 10 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 10 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow expected. Southeast ridgetop wind 15 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.