Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2016 8:06AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Recently formed wind slabs have been slow to gain strength and remain a concern.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and lingering flurries, light southerly winds, -8 at 1500m. FRIDAY Isolated flurries or rain at lower elevations, moderate southerly winds, freezing level rising to 1500m. SATURDAY snow starting overnight with up to 5cm by morning, flurries continuing through the day, light to moderate westerlies, freezing levels remain at 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated natural and skier controlled slab avalanches up to size 2 continue to be reported from across the region. There is also the ongoing possibility of triggering more destructive persistent slab avalanches in isolated open, unsupported terrain features at and below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40cm of snow has fallen in the last week and remains mostly unaffected by wind. The new snow may be sitting on a crust that extends up to 1900m. The surface hoar layer from early January is now typically down 80-120cm in most places. Although the layer has become harder to human trigger and is variably reactive in snowpack tests, it still has the potential for wide propagations. I would continue to show respect for this layer in steep, open terrain at treeline and below. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent avalanche involvements in the Selkirks show that recently formed wind slabs should remain on our radar. Watch for triggering behind ridge crests.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs have become more difficult to trigger; however, avalanches failing on buried surface hoar would be large and destructive. Use increased caution in steep, open terrain at treeline and below.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar. >Be cautious around steep open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2016 2:00PM