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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 28th, 2013–Jan 29th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight Monday & Tuesday: Moderate Northerly wind backing to strong Westerly. 10 to 20 cm of additional snow with continued cold temperatures (below freezing all elevations).Wednesday: Continued wind: moderate to strong from the west, with another few cm of snow and just slightly warmer (freezing level climbing to 700m or so).Thursday: Winds finally easing off and backing to the SW, continued unsettled with light precipitation and just slightly warmer than Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity occurred on higher elevation wind loaded slopes up to size 2.5 on Sunday. Loose snow avalanches were also reported running in the storm snow. A skier triggered a slab avalanche at approximately 1200 m on a north aspect in the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

The region has 30-70 cm of new snow which continues to build over a variety of surfaces. It's being drifted into big wind slabs by strong NW wind. These include old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Moderate to strong winds are shifting snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Reports generally indicate that the bulk of this storm snow seems to be settling quickly, which is a good. However, with a continued stormy pattern I would wait out the storms and watch how the snowpack adapts  to the rapid changes.Two persistent weaknesses (comprising of surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack recently gave moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will continue to build at all elevations. Strong NW winds will transport storm snow, and wind-loading will likely trigger a natural avalanches. Avalanches could run near the full length of their path so watch your overhead hazard.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>Be increasingly cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 6