Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2020 5:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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A stable weather pattern is forecast for the next few days. Give the recent new snow time to settle and stabilize.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Weather Forecast

Monday Night: Cloudy with clear periods. Light northwest wind. Alpine temperatures around -8 C.

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Light northwest wind. Alpine temperatures around -7 C.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Light west wind. Alpine temperatures around -9 C.

Thursday: Scattered flurries. Light to moderate west wind. Alpine temperatures around -9 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, storm slabs up to size 2.5 and loose dry up to size 2 were observed in the Shames area and the Skeena corridor. Additionally wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported in Bear Pass area.

Snowpack Summary

80-100 cm of recent storm snow has been highly wind affected in the alpine. Expect to find deep wind loaded pockets below ridgetops and the lee sides of exposed features.

The new snow fell on a crust up to treeline and extensively wind affected surfaces at alpine and treeline elevations. The underlying snowpack is overall quite well consolidated, with an average depth of around 2 m. Two layers of surface hoar are now buried 80-150 cm deep. The recent widespread natural storm slab avalanche cycle was a good test on the reactivity of these layers, and there have been no reports of step-downs. Signs of instability that may be associated with these layers have been observed in isolated areas on low angle terrain below treeline, as detailed in this MIN report.

Terrain and Travel

  • The new snow may require another day to settle and stabilize.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

80-100 cm of recent storm snow combined strong southwest wind has promoted storm slab development. Watch for solar triggering of recent snow on steep solar aspects during periods of sun.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2020 5:00PM