Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Jan 16, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A cooling temperature trend is improving the snowpack. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5
    There have been a few recent large avalanches on deeper layers reported every few days within the region.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: A mix of clouds and clear skies, light to moderate winds from south, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate winds from southeast, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at valley bottom.FRIDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate winds from southwest, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new significant avalanche activity was observed or reported on Monday. However, there continue to be a sizeable persistent slab avalanche reported every few days.

Snowpack Summary

On south aspects, you will likely find a sun crust as it freezes with temperature cooling. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain.The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remains a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.

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