Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2016 7:48AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs, Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Tonight and Tuesday: 10-15 cm of snow overnight followed by cooling and clearing during the day. The freezing level peaks near 1600-1800 m overnight and lowers to 1400-1500 m during the day. Ridge winds are strong from the SW easing to moderate during the day. Wednesday: Showers or flurries with sunny breaks. The freezing level rises to 1800-2000 m. Winds are light and variable. Thursday: Periods of snow. The freezing level drops to 1200 m and winds increase to moderate or strong from the SW.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous size 1-2 explosive or skier controlled avalanches were reported throughout the region on Sunday. One size 2 accidentally triggered slab avalanche was reported in the Northern Rossland Range on Saturday. This avalanche was about 40 cm deep and was triggered on a NE aspect. One person was partially buried but escaped unharmed.
Snowpack Summary
30-50 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces. Moderate south-southwest winds have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2016 2:00PM