Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 1st, 2013–Jan 2nd, 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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light W winds. Alpine temperature near -1. It may warm up to 0 in the afternoon, especially on sunny alpine/treeline slopes. No precipitation.Thursday: Moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -2, possibly warming to 0 in the alpine while remaining cooler in the valley. Very light snow starting in the evening.Friday: Light winds. Alpine temperature near -6. Very light precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast alpine warming and direct sun may lead to a loose moist snow surface. Wind slabs may be found in isolated areas behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. Loose dry snow is sluffing in sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, in rocky, thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and direct sun may loosen surface snow layers.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3