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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2013–Jan 1st, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation expected. Freezing levels in valley bottoms and moderate NW ridge top winds. Thursday: Cloud with light snow bringing around 5cm of accumulation. Strong westerly alpine winds and freezing levels as high as 1400m. Friday: Light snow with another 2-5cm of accumulation, moderate NW winds and freezing levels in valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Monday are limited to small pockets of wind slab reacting to ski cuts on leeward features at ridgetop, and sluffing in steep terrain. Several whummpfs were also observed during regroups at approximately 1700m.

Snowpack Summary

Continued light amounts of snow accumulation brings recent totals to 10-20cm over surface hoar buried during Christmas. A little deeper (between 40 - 60 cm below the surface) you may find a weak layer of surface hoar on sheltered slopes or a crust/facet combo on steep solar aspects. As the load gradually increases and stiffens over top of these layers, they'll likely become more reactive. Overall the midpack is well settled and reasonably strong; however, thin and variable snowpack areas are faceted and weak. In general, snowpack depths are below seasonal average with many slopes below treeline still reported to be below threshold for avalanche activity, but a deeper snowpack is likely in the northern part of the region.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Continued light snowfall and moderate winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and weak. Use extra caution below ridge crests and behind terrain features in exposed terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run. >On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3