Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2013 9:30AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1200mFriday: Clearing throughout the day / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mSaturday: Mainly clear skies / Light north winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

A few small, skier-triggered loose snow avalanches failed within the new snow in steep terrain.No other avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have been redistributed into soft wind slabs by moderate southwest winds. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, surface hoar at treeline and below, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes.Â These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness may still reactive to skier traffic in unsupported terrain and remains a concern of professionals in the region.The snowpack below this is generally well bonded.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow accumulations have been redistributed into wind slabs by moderate west winds. Watch for triggering in gullies, below terrain breaks and in the lee of ridges crests.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An assortment of weak crystals is buried between 35 and 50cm below the surface. Although this interface is gaining strength, triggering may still be possible in unsupported terrain.

Conditions have improved, but be mindful that persistent instabilities are still present.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2013 2:00PM