Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2013 9:52AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light snowfall/ Moderate southwest winds / Alpine temperature of about -8.0Thursday: Light snowfall / Light south winds / Alpine temperature of about -7.0Friday: Clearing / Light northwest winds / Alpine temperature of about -9.0

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow are being redistributed into thin wind slabs by moderate southwest winds, and overlie a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs in exposed terrain, surface hoar on a variety of aspects and elevations, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness is still reactive to skier traffic in unsupported terrain and remains a concern of professionals in the region.The snowpack below this is generally well bonded.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast southwest winds and light snowfall will create fresh and reactive windslabs in lee terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried between 35 and 50cm below the surface. Triggering may be more likely in unsupported terrain where the overlying slab has been wind-affected.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2013 2:00PM