Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 22nd, 2020 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
chris gooliaff,
Parks Canada
Surface slabs in wind-effected areas (ridgeline, alpine lee zones) are the greatest concern today.
Tree-bombs will become a threat as temps rise and winds pick up; maybe don't linger under the large tree snow gnomes...
Summary
Weather Forecast
Warming temps over the next 3 days with increasing winds and up to 30cm of snow.
Today: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Light SW winds, fzl rising to 1200m by mid-afternoon.
Thurs: Snow, 10-15cm, moderate to gusty strong SW winds, fzl rising to 1700m, alpine high of -2*C
Fri: Snow, 10-15cm, mod to strong gusty SW winds, fzl 1800m.
Snowpack Summary
15-25cm of settling storm snow lies on previous wind effect and small facets from last weeks cold. Variable soft slab can be found in the alpine at ridge-tops and immediate lee areas. The mid-lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. The Dec 27th surface hoar/crust down 100cm has not been reactive since the last major snowfall.
Avalanche Summary
Very little natural avalanche activity noted yesterday; the exception being a large sz 3.5 from Macdonald Gully 10. Suspect there has been an increase in natural activity overnight from steep alpine start zones (ie Macdonald and Tupper) due to S'ly winds and warmer temps.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Recent new snow overlies facetted and/or firm surfaces. Overnight SW'ly winds will have built up soft slabs in alpine lee and ridgeline features.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2020 8:00AM
