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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 3rd, 2013–Feb 4th, 2013
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Warm temps are promoting the failure of cornices throughout the forecast region. Although they have not been triggering avalanches, they can still be problematic if you are parked underneath them. Some chunks are running quite far.

Weather Forecast

A system is moving towards the forecast region. Between tonight and Tuesday expect light accumulations and moderate wind. By Wednesday the storm will intensify and deliver up to 20mm of precip. Expect a steady rise in the danger ratings over the next few days. The temperatures will range between -9 and -15 at 3000m.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh wind slabs of variable thickness sit on top of a faceted snowpack. Expect a weaker and more faceted snowpack in areas with  < 1m of snow. The Jan 6th surface hoar/crust interface is still prevalent in some isolated areas. Today in Kootenay it was found 35cm down. It did not react to skier traffic.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

This winter we have experienced multiple wind slab events. Currently fresh wind slabs are quite touchy, but vary in thickness (20-40cm). In addition to surface wind slabs, older hard wind slabs lurk beneath the surface, but are harder to trigger.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2