Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2020 4:00PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas, and at upper elevations. Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking and recent avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / southeast wind, 10-30 km/h / alpine low temperature near -4

TUESDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm / southeast wind, 10-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4

WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 15-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7

THURSDAY - Flurries,10 cm / southeast wind, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1400 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been reports of a few natural and explosives triggered storm and wind slab avalanches, mostly size 1.5-2 on Sunday and MondayÂ

A few small (size 1) storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by humans on Saturday. They were generally 10 to 20 cm thick and on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 30 cm of snow has fallen in the past couple of days. Fresh snow combined with recent moderate winds and relatively warm temperatures will mean that storm slabs have likely formed in many areas.Â

A layer of surface hoar buried 80 to 150 cm deep could still be a concern in certain parts of the Selkriks and the northern end of the Monashees.Â

Terrain and Travel

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Around 10 to 30 cm of snowfall accumulated over the weekend and has been accompanied by strong southwest wind. The deepest and touchiest slabs will likely be in lee terrain features near ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A layer of surface hoar is buried 80 to 150 cm deep in the Selkirks and northern tip of the Monashees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2020 5:00PM