Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 26th, 2020 5:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
Ongoing flurries and wind continue to build and develop slabs, watch for reactive pockets around steep rolls and ridge features.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - The number, quality, or consistency of field observations is good, and supports our confidence.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Isolated flurries. Alpine temperature -6 C. Southwest wind 20-30 km/hr. Freezing level 1000 m.
MONDAY: Flurries, 5-10 cm. Alpine temperature -4 C. Southwest wind 20-35 km/hr. Freezing level 1300 m.
TUESDAY: Flurries and snow, 10-15 cm. Alpine temperature -3 C. Southwest wind 20-40 km/hr. Freezing level 1400 m.
WEDNESDAY: Isolated flurries. Alpine temperature -6 C. Southwest wind 20-40 km/hr. Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, natural storm slab avalanches to size 2 were reported with most occurring on north to east aspects at 1900 m and above. Skiers were able to trigger smaller (size 1-1.5) avalanches in wind loaded areas and around ridgelines and found loose dry avalanches and sloughing in steep terrain.
On Friday, storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were triggered by explosives, skiers, and failed naturally. On Thursday, skiers triggered size 1-2 storm slab avalanches including this MIN report of a skier triggered avalanche at Kootenay Pass. This avalanche was triggered on a south aspect at treeline and ran for a long distance above the recently buried crust. Several loose wet avalanches were reported on southerly aspects below 2000 m.
No persistent slab avalanches have been observed since January 14, suggesting deep weak layers have become difficult to trigger under the current conditions.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of recent snow has consolidated into a slab above 1500 m. Within this recent snow are up to 3 crusts from warm temperatures and rain events during the storm. A surface crust has formed on all aspects below 1500 m and easterly aspects up to 2000 m. Additional flurries are dusting the crust at lower elevations and adding to the stubborn slab at higher elevations.
We have been tracking two layers over the past month: a layer of surface hoar buried 80-120 cm below the surface and faceted crystals and crusts near the bottom of the snowpack in certain parts of the region (especially western areas such as the Rossland Range and Boundary region). Both of these layers have shown signs of being less reactive over the past 14 days.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Additional flurries and wind continue to build slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2020 5:00PM
