Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2014 8:17AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low.

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Good - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

Synopsis:  Another weak frontal system will pass over the province Thursday before an arctic air mass descends bring cool dry conditions.Thursday: Scattered flurries /  Light to south-west winds / Freezing level: Valley bottom.Friday: Sunny / Light  north winds / Freezing level: 500m.Saturday: Sunny / Light  north winds / Freezing level:Valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

With recent warm alpine temperatures natural avalanches to size 2.5 were reported on steep solar aspects. In a couple of cases, avalanche activity occurred as a wet slab and ran to ground.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow now overlies a variety of old surfaces including stubborn wind slabs in exposed upper elevation terrain, well developed surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a crust on south aspects.The recent prolonged warm temperatures formed a strong and supportive midpack. Closer to the ground, the two weak layers we've been worried about thus far this season (the late November surface hoar, and a crust/facet combo from October) are still there. While the increased strength of the overlying slab has made these layers have become increasingly unlikely to trigger, large and destructive avalanches are still possible with the right input such as a cornice fall or a heavy load over a thin spot in steep terrain.

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2014 2:00PM