Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2014 8:48AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Moderate snowfall / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mThursday: Light to moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 600mFriday: Moderate snowfall Thursday evening becoming light on Friday / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 500m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. I would expect touchy storm slab conditions with forecast weather over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Reports from the field indicate a poor bond between the new snow and these old surfaces. Strong winds are likely shifting the new snow into deeper, reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, the reactivity and destructive potential of the developing storm slab should also increase. The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

A developing storm slab sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Watch for increased triggering in wind-exposed terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2014 2:00PM