Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2019–Jan 22nd, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Moderate danger means that it is possible for humans to trigger avalanches in specific areas. Use caution in wind-affected terrain, where wind slabs may still be present.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 700 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate west winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m in the late afternoon.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity quieted down on Sunday, with skiers and explosives triggering a few small (size 1) wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. On Friday and Saturday, many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches within the storm snow were triggered naturally, by skiers, and with explosives. For examples, check out the MIN reports here and here.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find extensive wind effect in exposed terrain at all elevation bands. Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow may sit on a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. You may find deeper snow deposits in wind-loaded terrain features.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features, such as near ridges. Use caution on all aspects without wind effect, as the recent snow may not bond well to underlying layers.

Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2