Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2019 5:08PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Storm snow from last week has been redistributed into pockets of wind slab at tree line and in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 CMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate west winds, alpine temperature -5 CTUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks, light southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 CWEDNESDAY: Flurries with 5-10 cm accumulation, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, Freezing level 1300m

Avalanche Summary

There was a report of a natural size 2 wind slab avalanche on a north aspect in the alpine on Sunday. A natural avalanche cycle occurred on Thursday into Friday. Large (size 2 to 3) storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives on Friday and Saturday within the storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell in the region last Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges at higher elevations. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
The snow from late last week has been redistributed into the lee of terrain features by steady southwest winds. Note that in the east of the region there is still potential that triggered slabs could step down to deeper weak layers.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2019 2:00PM