Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2014 8:06AM

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

Avalanche Canada slemieux, Avalanche Canada

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Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Wednesday: A ridge of high pressure is bringing cold and clear conditions. Strong winds from the E-NE are forecasted, mainly clear skies and temperatures around -19 C.Thursday: The ridge remains dominant bringing similar conditions except moderate winds from the NE and slightly warmer temperatures (-11 C).Friday: Similar conditions with lighter winds.

Avalanche Summary

Several skier triggered slab avalanches size 1 to 2 were reported yesterday around Nelson area. These would have been triggered in windslabs overlying the end of January surface hoar on N and NW facing slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Recent and ongoing strong Easterly winds created windslabs on lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. The windslabs, in wind exposed areas or loose dry snow in sheltered areas, overlies well developed and widespread surface hoar or a crust on solar aspects.  This combination has resulted in recent skier triggered avalanches up to size 2. Natural activity is less likely now but these 10-30 cm thick windslabs could still be triggered under the weight of a skier. Below this layer, you'll likely find about 10cm of faceted snow over older surface hoar and old, unreactive wind slabs. Mid-January’s 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
Today's and forecasted strong Easterly winds have created touchy windslabs that extend well below start zones. In sheltered areas, loose dry avalanches are also a concern in steep areas at all elevations.
Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The recently developed windslabs will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2014 2:00PM