Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2014–Jan 6th, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Monday: The upper ridge still dominates the pattern leading to clear skies and possible valley cloud. Winds are forecasted to be moderate to strong from the NW. Freezing level are at valley bottom but a weak above freezing layer (AFL) is warming temperatures between 2000 m. and 2800 m. Tuesday: A weak system could result in light precipitation with moderate winds from the NW. Freezing levels at the surface and mainly cloudy skies.Wednesday: Pacific frontal system is forecasted to spread light precipitation over the region with strong Westerlies. 

Avalanche Summary

Several skier triggered avalanches up to size 2 in storm slab on NW and E aspect and in windslab on N and SE aspect in the alpine or top of treeline. No natural avalanches were reported yesterday.

Snowpack Summary

A wind event created touchy windslabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. These windslabs are quite thick near ridge top and will still be touchy, especially later during the day on S facing slopes where sun will have been shining and with temperatures starting to warm up at higher elevations. Storm snow is settling but beware of the possibility of sluffing in steep shady terrain and on steep S aspects. Even though avalanche problems have started localizing, I would still show some respect to the deeper persistent weak layers that are more stubborn but also more widespread and complex. The surface hoar layer down 90 cm would be more sensitive on N and NE aspects and the facet/crust layer would be more sensitive on S aspects. Basal facets weakness in shallower/rockier areas are also still a concern by avalanche professionals.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs located under ridgetops mostly on E facing slopes will be sensitive to trigger by skier. Solar radiation and warmer temps in the alpine could weaken snowpack and cornices especially on steep S facing slopes.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4