Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2014 8:39AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation expected. Moderate to strong NW winds and freezing levels around 500m. Saturday: Mainly cloudy but dry with light NW alpine winds and freezing levels around 700m. Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods but dry with freezing levels dropping to valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Visibility was limited, but reports from Wednesday include several natural avalanches up to Size 2 in steep alpine gullies and wet sluffs from lower elevation cliffs.

Snowpack Summary

Weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow will likely take several days to settle and strengthen after the storm passes. A number of rain crusts may exist in the upper and mid snowpack, primarily below 1500 m. Deeper in the snowpack a layer of facets/surface hoar formed in early December may be found in the top 100cm. The mid and lower snowpack is still structurally weak and faceted with depth hoar and an early season crust near the ground.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Around 30-40cm of new snow has fallen since Sunday. Expect increased hazard in areas where wind slabs have formed such as exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weaknesses may still exist near the base of the snowpack and , although stubborn, could be triggered from thin spots and propagate into very large avalanches.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2014 2:00PM