Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2016 7:20AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy" - Anatole FranceForecast new snow is expected to increase the avalanche danger.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Dry conditions persist on Monday, before a Pacific system brings snow on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tues: 5-10 cm; Wed: 10-30 cm. Winds are expected to be moderate from the SW. The freezing level remains at valley floor. For more details check out http://www.avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of small storm slabs were triggered by skiers on Friday below treeline. These failed on buried surface hoar. Some size 1 loose dry and wind slab activity has also been noted.

Snowpack Summary

Thin wind slabs may be lurking at high elevations. There is 20-30 cm of recent snow sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts. The surface snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. A storm slab may also exist in specific terrain below treeline.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Choose well supported terrain without convexities when below treeline.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2016 2:00PM