Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2019 4:02PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

The recent snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces and may be touchy to human traffic. Travel conservatively, particularly if you notice slab properties or observe signs of snow instability.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, strong southwest winds, freezing level 800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level rising to 1400 m over the day.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light north winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 800 m.MONDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 600 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Avalanche activity may increase this weekend due to the incoming storm.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 15 cm of snow fell on Thursday night with strong southwest winds. More is expected on Friday night. This snow is falling onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The recent storm snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces. Treat it with caution, particularly if you notice slab properties. The touchiest snow may be in lee terrain features near ridges due to strong southwest winds.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2019 2:00PM