Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2013 9:12AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

It is time to make conservative terrain choices, and avoid exposure to overhead hazard.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Tuesday: Strong Southwest winds and another 10-15 cms of snow by morning. The next stronger pulse of moisture should start by Tuesday late morning. Expect 15-20 cms with moderate Southerly winds by early evening.Wednesday: Another 15-20 cms with building Southwest winds and freezing levels rising up to about 1500 metres.Thursday: Flurries ending during the day as a ridge of high pressure moves into the region.

Avalanche Summary

Soft slabs are becoming reactive to light additional loads. Expect this problem to continue to become more reactive and result in larger avalanches as the storm slab develops.

Snowpack Summary

Some areas are reporting about 40 cms of storm snow above the surface hoar/surface faceting/sun crusts that were buried on January 4th. Where this slab is thicker, it has become reactive to skiers and riders. This new storm slab is expected to continue to develop due to forecast snow fall amounts. The mid-pack is strong, and deeply buried weak layers have not been reactive.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are developing on all aspects and elevations. As the storm slab becomes thicker it is expected to consolidate and become more reactive to human triggers. Wind slabs may also continue to develop at higher elevations.

Be aware of the potential for avalanches of the recent storm snow due to the presence of buried surface hoar and sun crusts beneath the storm slab.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Good day to make conservative terrain choices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2013 2:00PM