Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Jan 19 – 20, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

A touchy persistent slab problem demands respect. Use extra caution in your terrain selection.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Recently formed wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    The slab sitting over a volatile weak layer is primed for human triggering. It has been most reactive below treeline.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A few flurries are possible on Wednesday ahead of a couple of Pacific storms on Thursday and Friday. 5-15 cm of snow is expected each day, with moderate to strong SW winds. The freezing level rises to around 1500 m on Thursday.For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has been widespread over the last few days as recent snow has reached a critical load above a volatile weak layer. Human and naturally-triggered avalanches have been most prevalent below treeline, but have also occurred at higher elevations in some parts of the region. These have mostly been in the size 1-2 range, with many triggered remotely from a distance. Wind slabs have also been reported in wind-exposed terrain.

Snowpack Summary

A 40-80 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.

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