Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 29th, 2013 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeStrong NW winds are forecasted to blow tonight, causing the danger to rise on Wed. In sheltered areas, and areas with insufficient new snow to blow around, the danger rating may be lower.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A northwesterly flow is bringing thin overcast skies, light precip and moderate to strong NW winds throughout the forecast period. Temperatures will gradually warm with alpine highs in the -5/-10 range and lows in the -10/-15 range.
Snowpack Summary
In alpine there is 20-25 cm of recent storm snow sitting on previous hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow. Some soft slab development in lee terrain near ridge tops. In shallow snow pack areas the mid-pack is facetting and losing strength.
Avalanche Summary
Forecasters observed a size 2 naturally triggered avalanche on a N aspect around 2300m on the Sunshine road. This avalanche was likely triggered by a cornice fall and likely occurred within the last 24 hours.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Forecasted strong NW winds will create soft and hard slabs in areas where there is sufficient new snow to blow around (mainly in the southern and western parts of the forecast region).
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Hard slabs from previous high winds have been buried by recent storm snow. These slabs have been unreactive to skier triggering, but new wind loading may awaken them.
- Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 30th, 2013 4:00PM