Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2014 9:20AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: A very strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern. The optimist sees a storm in the models next weekend. The realist says it’s still too early to count on.Tuesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, E/NEWednesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NEThursday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N/NW
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity over the weekend was limited to minor sluffing.
Snowpack Summary
The upper and mid-snowpack are generally well consolidated and layers are well bonded. In most areas, a widespread weak layer is now buried by up to 10cm of new snow but has not yet become a problem. This weak layer consists of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on open south facing slopes, facet grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of any of the above. This layer is not yet a concern but is expected to become a problem in the future when we finally get more snowfall. A facet/cust weakness near the bottom of the snowpack has recently become inactive but remains a concern. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche unlikely but the consequences would be large, destructive avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent low density accumulations rest on a hard surface which is covered with slippery surface hoar on many slopes. This combination will keep both active sluffing and thin wind slab problems alive longer than we're normally used to.
Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Carefully consider the impact a thin wind slab will have on your proposed line, especially in high consequence terrain. Have a backup line in mind in case you need to seek more sheltered riding. >On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2014 2:00PM
