Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2013 8:52AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Temperatures are expected to remain below zero in the Alpine (around -3.0), but may get a bit warmer when combined with solar warming. If the sun is out and it feels warm, watch for loose moist snow falling out of cliffs and steep terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Wednesday: An upper ridge of High pressure continues to dominate the interior regions. Large valleys should expect cloud with mostly clear skies above. Alpine temperatures are forecast to be warmer than the valleys, but should still be about -3.0. Light winds and no precipitation for the forecast period.Thursday: The temperature inversion is forecast to persist on Thursday causing warmer temperatures in the alpine than at valley bottoms. Friday: Becoming cloudy during the day with moderate westerly winds as a weak upper disturbance slides into the region.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity in the region has been limited to loose snow avalanches running in steep terrain and isolated slab releases to size 2 from steep rocky terrain in the alpine. Glide cracks continue to open.

Snowpack Summary

New surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Recent surface hoar is buried beneath a thin layer of cold dry snow. Thin wind slabs continue to develop due to the availability of loose snow for transport. Continued winds are expected to stiffen these soft wind slabs. Deeper weak layers have not been reactive.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast warm alpine temperatures should help to bond the recent wind slabs to the old surface.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices may fall off naturally during periods of warm air at higher elevations combined with solar warming.

Avoid slopes below cornices.>Stay well back from cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2013 2:00PM