Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2013 9:38AM

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

Avalanche Canada mpeter, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of light flurries and temperatures reaching -5. Winds should be light southwesterlies with occasional gusts to 40km/h. The Western edge of the region could see slightly more snow than the East.Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, with precipitation building into the evening. 10 cm possible. Temperatures should reach -5 with light west/southwest winds.Tuesday: Expect continued light snowfalls under light southwest winds with temperatures reaching -3.

Avalanche Summary

Continued sluffing in steep terrain to size 1.0, otherwise no new.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm of low density new snow overlies the January 4th interface. Moderate south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline.The January 4th interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar up to 12mm is present. There is a 1-3cm sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. In exposed locations, old windslabs linger.The midpack is well bonded and strong. Concern remains in specific locations (Rossland Range) for the November 28 surface hoar buried 95cm.  The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering from a shallow spot.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New windslabs have formed in immediate lee and cross loaded locations
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2013 2:00PM