Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2014 8:27AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will continue to keep things cold and dry for the forecast period. We should see increased cloud for late Sunday and Monday, but no real precipitation is expected. Winds are expected be light to moderate from the northwest on Saturday decreasing substantially by Sunday and Monday. Alpine temperatures should hover around -15 for the weekend with more significant cooling by Monday.

Avalanche Summary

In the wake of recent snowfall we received reports of widespread sluffing to size 1.5 in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of low density snow now overlies well developed surface hoar which exists on most aspects, and in some cases, well into the alpine. Below this you'll likely find about 10cm of faceted snow over older surface hoar and old, unreactive wind slabs. A melt-freeze crust is now buried on most slopes that saw direct sun last week.Most reports indicate the wind was light during and after the recent snowfall. However, I've also received accounts of localized moderate to strong winds which suggests the new snow likely exists as a reactive wind slab in some areas.The recent prolonged warm temperatures have formed a strong and supportive midpack. Deeper persistent layers have become unlikely to trigger, although large and destructive avalanches are still possible in isolated terrain with the right input such as a cornice fall or a heavy load over a thin spot in steep terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Highly variable winds may have shifted recent accumulations into wind slabs in some areas. Expect high reactivity in areas where wind slabs overlie buried surface hoar. In areas where the new snow did not see wind, expect sluffing in steep terrain.
Be cautious traveling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2014 2:00PM