Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 10th, 2014 8:17AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jlammers,
Avalanche Canada
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Light snowfall throughout the day becoming heavy through the evening / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mWednesday: Continued heavy snowfall in the early morning becoming light / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mThursday: Moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100m
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural and human-triggered size 1 storm slabs were observed in alpine terrain on Monday. I would expect more of the same with sizes increasing with forecast weather.
Snowpack Summary
A developing storm slab overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Strong winds are likely shifting the new snow into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. As the new slab develops and gains cohesion, I would expect it to have a poor bond with any of these old surfaces.The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering has become unlikely.
Problems
Storm Slabs
A developing storm slab sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Reactivity is most likely in wind-exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.
Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 11th, 2014 2:00PM
