Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 2nd, 2016 8:19AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeStorm slabs continue to settle and gain strength but the deeply buried persistent weak layer remains a concern.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: overcast with snow starting in the afternoon and up to 5cm expected overnight, light southerly winds, -5C at 1500m. Thursday: clearing, isolated flurries possible early in the day, light westerly winds, freezing level rising to 1100m. Friday: flurries starting late in the day, light to moderate southwest winds, freezing level 1500m.
Avalanche Summary
Although avalanche activity associated with the recent storm seems to be slowing we continue to receive reports of natural and skier triggered slab avalanches up to about size 2 releasing down 20 to 30cm. The storm snow is especially reactive where it is sitting on surface hoar. Steep slopes are sluffing with skier traffic.
Snowpack Summary
A soft storm slab 30-40 cm deep can be found across most of the region. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer buried mid-January can be found down 45-50cm, however, snow pit tests indicate that this layer is gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. Im keeping this one on my radar.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The storm slab may continue to react to human triggers in isolated terrain where it is sitting on a buried surface hoar layer down 20-30 cm. It has not been as reactive where it is bonding to a rain crust.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This persistent weak layer is probably now best described as a low probability but high consequence problem. Dig down (80-120 cm) to see if the surface hoar exists in your area.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a big line. >Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar. >
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2016 2:00PM