Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2014 8:50AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mThursday: Light to moderate snowfall arriving late in the day (with heavier amounts possible in the western portion of the region) / Strong to extreme southerly winds / Freezing level at 700mFriday: Light snowfall / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at 600m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

A recent profile from 1400 metres elevation on a Northwest aspect in the Hankin area shows the height of snow to be about 155 cm.Recent strong winds have created significant wind effect at upper elevations, with sastrugi in open areas and scouring on ridge tops. Stubborn wind slabs are likely to exist in the lee of terrain breaks and in gullies. At mid-treeline elevation and below there seems to be much less wind effect, and significant surface hoar development has been reported. The snowpack was found to be generally gaining strength with depth until the bottom 20-40cm where weak faceted crystals exist down to the ground.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Old wind slabs exist at upper elevations. Although they may have gained considerable strength, triggering may be possible in steeper, unsupported terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Triggering a persistent weakness could have nasty consequences. Avoid thin spots, cross-loaded slopes or unsupported terrain.

Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2014 2:00PM