Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2014–Jan 23rd, 2014

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

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

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with scattered showers possible for immediate coastal areas, otherwise dry. Freezing levels nearing 2000m (cooler in the north) with moderate westerly wind. Friday and Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds and freezing levels over 3000 m in the southern part of the region. Temperature at 2000m could reach as high as +10 C, but valley bottoms and northern areas should be slightly cooler.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated small pockets of thin wind slab continue to be reactive to ski cutting. A few glide cracks have also released.

Snowpack Summary

Over 20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed onto leeward slopes in exposed areas. Under this storm snow. a crust has been reported up to treeline elevations. Well preserved surface hoar may be found buried in the upper snowpack on sheltered treeline slopes and below, and has been most active in the northern parts of the region between 900m and 1400m elevation. A well settled mid and lower snowpack may rest on basal facets, especially in thin snowpack areas at higher elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Although becoming stubborn, fresh wind slabs continue to be reactive to human triggers.

The recently formed wind slabs will need a couple days to settle out.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Start on small terrain and slope-cut the top of slopes before riding them.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Two weaknesses have the potential to surprise folks: Surface Hoar one meter below the surface and very weak basal facets near the ground. Vigilant slope by slope evaluation and/or a modest terrain approach are appropriate at this time.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin, rocky or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 4 - 7