Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2014 9:02AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Check out the latest blog post on deep persistent slab problems.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Sunny with cloudy periods and valley fog. Light winds. Freezing level at 3000 m with alpine temperatures reaching +9 C, but cooler at valley bottoms. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with valley fog likely. Moderate SE winds winds. Freezing level at 500 m. Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Light northerly alpine winds. Freezing level at valley bottom with alpine temperature reaching -7 C.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include a Size 2 natural storm slab avalanche that ran on a buried crust on NE aspect at 900m, and a Size 3 natural glide avalanche. Wet loose snow avalanches are likely, especially on sun-exposed slopes in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

The surface snow is likely undergoing melt-freeze cycles particularly on all but high elevation shady aspects. Approximately 5 to 25cm (elevation and drainage dependant) of recent storm snow sits on various old snow surfaces including crusts. Previously strong winds have resulted in highly variable snowpack depths in exposed areas with deep drifts, scoured areas, and sastrugi. The surface hoar persistent weakness buried early January is most prevalent down approximately 50cm on sheltered slopes at treeline. Professionals continue to keep an eye on the basal facets which can be found down near the ground.

Problems

Loose Wet

Generally small, slow, and often limited to extreme cliffy terrain; however, these dense avalanches can easily knock you off your feet and take you for a ride.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal facets, buried surface hoar, and glide avalanches are all expected to become more sensitive to triggering with warm temperatures and solar radiation. Although tricky to pinpoint when and where they might occur, the consequences could be severe.

Avoid slopes with glide cracks.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin, rocky or variable snowpack.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2014 2:00PM