Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 13th, 2014–Jan 14th, 2014

Alpine

5: Extreme

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be extreme

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Go to the ski hill. Avoid being in the backcountry until tomorrow.

Weather Forecast

This current storm is forecast to last until early this afternoon with mild temperatures, high snow fall amounts and strong winds. Unsettled weather into tonight bringing light snow and cooler temperatures with easing winds. A high pressure ridge is building and will move over the interior by tomorrow keeping things mostly dry into Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of new storm snow that is moist below 1400m. It is sitting over snow with much lighter densities pronouncing the storm snow instabilities. The November 28 surface hoar layer is spotty but still well preserved in certain locations. The mid pack is well settled and the lower snow pack is continually gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle has already begun early this morning setting off large avalanches to size 3.0 in the highway corridor more are expected throughout the region as the storm continues and visibility improves.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New overnight snow is exceptionally heavy with the mild temperatures we have. This snow is sitting over much lighter snow from earlier this week and the result is ideal slab conditions and weak layers for it to slide on.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Winds in the past 24hrs have been strong to extreme with gusts to 130km/h on Mt Macdonald.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The November persistent weak layer is more likely to be triggered in times of heavy loading such as these with storm snow avalanches stepping down to this layer.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4