Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2014 8:35AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Wind will be the primary factor driving avalanche danger through the approaching storm.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Flurries intensifying to moderate snowfall overnight / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 600mSunday: Light to locally moderate snowfall / Moderate to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mMonday: Cloudy with flurries / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing levels 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

A recent profile from 1400m elevation on a Northwest aspect in the Hankin area shows the height of snow to be about 155 cm.Light amounts of new snow now overlie heavily wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations and well developed surface hoar at mid-treeline and below. The mid and lower snowpack are found to be generally gaining strength with depth until the bottom 20-40cm where weak faceted crystals exist down to the ground.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast accumulations will add to a developing storm slab. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-affected terrain or in areas where buried surface hoar exists.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

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

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2014 2:00PM