Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2014–Feb 9th, 2014

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Mainly clear / Light northerly winds / Alpine temperatures at -18Monday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceTuesday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surface

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

A highly variable snowpack surface includes surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, and scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Remember to take stock of current surface conditions, especially crusts, surface hoar, and facets. Once buried buy a cohesive slab, surface hoar or a thin layer of facets sitting on a crust almost always becomes a weak layer for avalanches, and will often persist.In sheltered areas, large surface hoar is growing on a few centimeters of faceted old storm snow sitting on the late January crust, which is likely faceted and laminated and could have surface hoar on top. The entire snowpack is likely faceting to some degree, especially where it is shallow. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers. Cornices are also becoming brittle.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated fresh thin pockets of hard and soft wind slabs may be lurking below ridge crests and behind terrain features in exposed terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2