Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2019 4:34PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

The next storm reaches us Tuesday night into Wednesday. Snowfall amounts will vary across the region; treat the danger as higher if you find noticeable snowfall accumulation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, moderate south winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m by the end of the day.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m by the end of the day.

Avalanche Summary

A few small to large (size 1.5 to 2) slab avalanches were triggered by explosives on Monday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall on Wednesday may form new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow will fall on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may form during Wednesday's storm. Use added caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain features near ridges.

Cornices may be touchy; stay well-back on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.Look for signs of instability such as whumpfs, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.Watch out for wind slabs, especially in steep slopes or depressions near ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2019 2:00PM