Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2012 10:51AM

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

istorm, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday should see cooling temperatures and an end to significant precipitation, although snow could linger into Monday morning. Tuesday & Wednesday the region should be under a westerly zonal flow with short lived disturbances - only a few cm expected. The next system hits the coast Wednesday, but likely not till evening.

Avalanche Summary

There are no new reports from the region. Please send us your observations: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Snowpack Summary

I suspect pockets of wind slab behind ridges & ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. I also suspect storm slabs on steeper terrain, unsupported slopes, or convex rolls. Deeper in the snowpack is a layer of facets (sugary snow) which formed during the cold mid-January drought. The combination of newer, warmer, cohesive snow above a thin, weak, rotten snowpack is a bad combination.

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

Likely

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

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2012 8:00AM