Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2016 8:24AM

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

Avalanche Canada bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Be on the lookout for wind slabs lurkingĀ  at tree line and above.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

A high pressure ridge will dominate the weather pattern in the interior of BC for the forecast period. The upper level inversion we enjoyed this past week has moved out of the region bringing more seasonal January temperatures. Valley cloud is likely in the morning with cold alpine conditions. Light precipitation is forecast for Monday and early Tuesday accompanied by light to moderate south winds. The timing and precipitation amounts of this storm are still uncertain.For more in-depth weather information, visit: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Reports of loose dry avalanches up size 2.5 originating from steep solar aspects, and a report of a size 1, natural wind slab on an eastern aspect.

Snowpack Summary

The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on many intermediate aspects, especially those exposed to warm air and strong solar radiation. Winds continue to form slabs on a variety of alpine and tree line aspects. Surface hoar and surface facetting has been reported in sheltered locations. The snowpack is generally considered stable, but pockets of steep terrain have been sluffing up to size 2 on solar aspects, and also in some steep northern exposures.

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches are still a concern on northerly aspects in steep terrain.
Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are still a concern at tree line and above
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2016 2:00PM