Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2013 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada snow safety, Avalanche Canada

Although we are now in a period of moderate avalanche danger, pay attention to what the wind is doing. With strong winds, slabs can build up quickly and overload the weak surface hoar/facets. Dig into the snow before committing to a slope.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Strong W winds and above-normal temp's are the main factors for the next couple of days. Expect the winds in the alpine to be strong, redistributing any loose snow leftover from the last couple of days of wind.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface.  In several locations in Kootenay and some areas near Sunshine, the Jan 6 interface is a well preserved surface hoar (3 to 5mm in size). Tests show easy sudden planar shears. It's worth digging down to it in a few locations to check if it's present. Alpine features have been blasted by recent wind.

Avalanche Summary

During the wind event over the past few days, several size 1.5 - 2 avalanches were noted in the alpine.  One skier triggered a size 1.5 avalanche near sunshine in an open wind affected lee feature below treeline. May see continued sporadic small avalanches tomorrow with strong winds forecasted, although most of the snow has been moved already.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent wind loading have created new wind slabs, predominantly in the alpine. They will certainly be reactive to riders and climbers.

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
  • Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Beware of open areas at tree-line. Surface hoar is well preserved in sporadic locations. See picture from our Vermillion study plot.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
  • Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2013 4:00PM