Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 9th, 2014 8:57AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
slemieux,
Avalanche Canada
A shift in the weather will increase avalanche hazard once it starts to snow. If you see anything of interest, remember to let us know by submitting an observation using the CAC Mobile app.
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: A strong Westerly offshore flow pattern is becoming established which is allowing a series of systems to come through for the remainder of the week. Tonight and Monday: A first frontal system approaches later Monday spreading light precipitation to the region. 5-10 cm of snow amount are forecasted with winds increasing to strong from the SW. Freezing levels are forecasted remain at the surface.Tuesday: Another, stronger system moves across the region spreading moderate amounts of precipitation with strong SW winds later during the day. Freezing levels are forecasted to rise to 1000 m briefly. Precipitation amounts are forecasted to be from 10 to 15 cm.Wednesday: Another system is forecasted to come through, expect moderate to heavy precipitation with similar freezing levels.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Snow should start falling tomorrow during the day, slowly adding load to the snowpack. The new snow will fall on a variety of weak layers such as surface facets, on a new surface hoar layer in sheltered areas, or on 10-40 cm thick hard windslabs in the alpine. The bond of the new snow with these surfaces is expected to be poor. At treeline, 15 cm below these layers exist another surface hoar or suncrust layer that was buried late in January. The mid snowpack is strong and supportive. Deeper persistent layers have been dormant, however they could wake up again if the forecasted light to moderate precipitation amounts end up having more punch.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The storm snow problem will develop as the snow starts to accumulate. Windslabs will also develop with the strong SW winds that are forecasted and loose avalanches will be a concern at all elevations on all aspects.
The recent snow may start hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>Be alert to conditions that will change during the day, plan for a safe exit from the backcountry.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 10th, 2014 2:00PM
