Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2013 8:50AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Light to moderate NW wind. Alpine temperature near -3. Light snow.Monday: Moderate NW wind. Alpine temperature near -1. Light snow.Tuesday: Moderate SW wind. Alpine temperature near -3. Light to moderate snow.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of recent snow is sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface. Loose dry sluffing is likely in steep terrain sheltered from the wind. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. New surface hoar growth at the surface may develop into a weak layer once buried with further snowfall.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Be alert for wind slabs behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

A deeply buried facet/crust weakness exists near the base of the snowpack. This layer could be triggered by large loads such as a cornice collapse or from a thin-spot trigger point.

Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>Choose the deepest and strongest snowpack areas on your run.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2013 2:00PM