Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2012–Jan 12th, 2012

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: 10-15cm of snow / strong southwest winds / freezing level climbing from surface to 450m throughout the dayFriday: Very light snowfall / light westerly winds / -12.0 at 1500mSaturday: Light snowfall / light to moderate westerly winds / -12.0 at 1500m

Avalanche Summary

Some size 1.5- size 2 natural slab avalanches failing from recent wind loading in the souther part of the region.Widespread explosive-controlled size 4-4.5 activity in the Bear Pass area on tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Some areas (Terrace, Kaziks) are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-december surface hoar is buried down about 250 cm with a well settled and strong 80 cm above. These deeper snowpack areas are reporting that there are no shears except in the top 50 cm of storm snow; and these shears on recent stellar crystal weakness are expected to bond within the next few days. Areas that experienced very strong winds during the recent storm may have thick windslabs that may take another couple of days to settle. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.Expect new wind slab development with forecast wind and snow.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs that developed during the storm will take a couple of days to settle and strengthen.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Thursday's snowfall will add to a layer of recent storm snow that may take a couple of days to bond to the old surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4