Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2012 9:27AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Light to moderate precipitation, with some breaks, is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, Expect 5-15cm each day Thursday and Friday and slightly less on Saturday all in a moderate to strong southwest flow. Freezing levels could reach as high as 1400m on Thursday but are expected to drop throughout the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include isolated storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 and loose snow sluffs below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and weak storm slab development at lower elevations. This recent storm snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow buried on January 20th, which is now down 45-80cm and producing hard, but sudden compression test results. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-affected with big cornices and wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are likely behind ridges and terrain breaks. They could be quite large and may require another day or two to stabilize

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Storm Slabs

A weak layer in the snowpack was covered by the recent storm snow. It may take some time before it gains strength. Watch steep slopes, convex rolls, and unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2012 3:00AM