Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2016 8:08AM

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

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Western parts of the region may have higher danger ratings and similar conditions to the South Columbia region.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

Dribs and drabs of snow are expected this week, with a pulse of 5-10 cm expected overnight Tuesday in the south. On Wednesday, a few flurries are expected. A Pacific frontal system due on Thursday may only bring snow to the western parts of the region. The freezing level drops from 1100 m to valley floor late on Tuesday. Moderate southerly winds become light by late Tuesday. For more details check out http://www.avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

Pockets of wind slab and loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 were triggered naturally or under light loads on a variety of aspects in the alpine over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried on January 4th. This storm snow is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas; however, strong winds are reported to have shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. On the far western slopes of the region, considerably more snow may overlie the January 4th layer, and a more destructive and widespread slab may exist. For an idea of what may be happening there, I'd suggest also reading the bulletin for the neighbouring South Columbia region. Some operations continue to track deeper buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be lurking on lee slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2016 2:00PM

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