Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2012 9:22AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Isolated flurries with light southwesterly winds and freezing levels near valley bottoms. Thursday: 5-15cm (or more) possible with moderate to strong southerly winds and freezing levels as high as 1200m. Friday: Clearing and cooling trend throughout the day.

Avalanche Summary

Warm temperatures and light precipitation resulted in several low-elevation natural storm slab avalanches up to Size 2 on Monday. Some natural avalanche activity was observed in the Hankin area on Sunday on North and East aspects at treeline and alpine elevations. Slabs ranged in thickness from 20cm to 50cm and the avalanches were not running very far.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and slab development at lower elevations. This recent storm snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow buried on January 20t , which is now down 45-80cm. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-effected with big cornices and wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are likely behind ridges and terrain breaks. They could be quite large and may require another day or two to stabilize

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Storm Slabs

A weak layer in the snowpack was covered by the recent storm snow. It may take some time before it gains strength. Watch steep slopes, convex rolls, and unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2012 3:00AM