Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2014 8:25AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

As danger approaches LOW across the board, it's a good time to remind ourselves that low danger doesn't mean no danger.Food for thought on this blog post.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Temperatures are forecast to fall through out the week.  A week frontal system is expected to arrive on Wednesday.Tuesday: Clear skies / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1000mWednesday: Light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1000mThursday: Scattered flurries / Light north-west winds / Freezing level at 600m

Avalanche Summary

With recent warm alpine temperatures natural avalanches to size 2.5 were reported on steep solar aspects. In a couple of cases, avalanche activity occurred as a wet slab and ran to ground.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include old, stubborn wind slabs in exposed upper elevation terrain and well developed surface hoar in sheltered terrain. Surface hoar continues to grow at treeline and below while sun-exposed slopes are now sporting a melt-freeze crust.Ongoing moderate daytime temperatures have promoted settlement within the snowpack, while cool nights have allowed for significant surface faceting.Closer to the ground, below a generally strong mid pack, there are 2 layers of note: the late November surface hoar, and a crust/facet combo from October. These layers have become unlikely to trigger (although still possible with the right input such as a cornice fall, a heavy load over a thin spot in steep terrain, or a rapid temperature change). That said, avalanches at these interfaces would be large and destructive.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
With the temperature forecast to cool deep persistent slab avalanches will become less likely.  However, triggering these deep weaknesses is still possible especially in steep, rocky start zones.
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2014 2:00PM

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