Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2014 8:56AM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Low danger doesn't mean no danger. See the "Forecast Details" tab for more info.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The arctic ridge is here to stay and very little variation in the weather is expected in the next seven days.Sunday: Sky: Mix Sun/Cloud; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil; Wind: Light, NEMonday: Sky: Mix Sun/Cloud; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NETuesday: Sky: Mix Sun/Cloud; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NE

Avalanche Summary

The "power sluffing" reported Thursday has really slowed down.  No significant observations from Friday.

Snowpack Summary

The south of the region saw slightly more more precipitation in the last system. Near Kimberly up to 20cm of snow now sits on a variety of old surfaces, this amount is closer to 10cm further north in the Dogtooth range. The old surface can be found as large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas and at all elevations), a sun crust (on open south facing slopes), facets (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of any of the above. North winds are redistributing the new snow reverse loading lee features in the alpine and forming reactive pockets of windslab up to 40cm deep.The upper and mid-snowpack are generally supportive to a riders weight and well settled.In isolated areas where the snowpack is thinner or in steep rocky features a facet/crust weakness near the ground remains a concern. In most places the depth of this layer combined with the strength of the overlying slab makes triggering an avalanche unlikely. However, if you were unlucky enough to find a weak spot the consequence could be a large, destructive avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs formed by moderate north winds are likely getting old and tired, but may still be reactive in alpine features.
Enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2014 2:00PM

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