Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 10th, 2023–Jan 11th, 2023

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

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

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Bonnington, Kootenay Boundary, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, South Okanagan, Ymir.

Make conservative terrain choices as buried weak layers continue to be a concern and new snow takes time to bond to underlying layers.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A number of natural and rider-triggered storm slab avalanches were reported on Monday. Occurring from 1800 to 2000 m elevation, on a variety of aspects.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain. A melt-freeze crust is buried by roughly 50 to 70 cm. This crust ranges from 2 cm at higher elevations to 10 cm at lower elevations. Below the crust, the mid-snowpack is generally well consolidated. A weak layer of facets and a crust near the bottom of the snowpack remains a concern.

Treeline snow depths are roughly 150 to 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Mostly clear, no precipitation. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, with no precipitation. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries, 2 to 5 cm. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 to -10 C.

Friday

Cloudy with snow, 10 to 15 cm. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may reman reactive longer then typical in sheltered terrain features where overlying preserved surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Human triggering of deep weak layers remains possible in terrain with shallow, variable snowpacks. Where supportive to riders, a melt-freeze crust may be providing a bridging effect, making it more difficult to trigger deeper layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5