Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2013 9:31AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Mainly dry conditions are expected for the forecast period. Winds are forecast to be moderate to strong from the northwest diminishing gradually towards the weekend. An inversion should persist through the period; however, alpine temperatures should stay below 0.0.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose moist avalanches to size 1.5 were reported from the region. They occurred on steep solar aspects. A few windlsabs to size 2 were also reported in alpine terrain. They all seemed to have formed due to strong northwest winds.

Snowpack Summary

Recent winds have formed windslabs in alpine and treeline terrainBelow this new wind slab ~65cm of settled snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas, and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The layer is still reactive in test pits, but has not been reactive to human triggering in recent days.The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to be dormant for the time being.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for new wind slab formation in exposed terrain in both the alpine and treeline elevation bands.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Slopes that didn't slide during last week's avalanche cycle are of particular concern. Although the likelihood of a slide has decreased, the potential consequences remain significant. Triggering may become more likely on sun-exposed slopes.

Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2013 2:00PM