Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 16th, 2016 8:00AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeCarefully assess the top 50cm of the snowpack for cohesion and slab development. Storm slabs will be easily triggered and may propagate into large avalanches.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A frontal system will track into the area this morning with moderate SW winds. Light precipitation is expected with up to 10cm of accumulation by late Sunday afternoon. Freezing levels will remain below 1300m.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine up to 40cm of new snow buries the January 4th interface. This interface is surface hoar in protected areas, sun crust on steep S - SW aspects and loose facets at tree-line and below. Where wind-affected, storm slabs have formed in lee features. At lower elevations, the mild temp's and snow settlement are creating storm slabs.
Avalanche Summary
Three size 2 avalanches were observed in the highway corridor east of Rogers Pass. The avalanches were triggered in the developing storm slab layer.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs continue to develop as warm temps, wind and snow settlement turn the upper 40cm into a cohesive layer. Slabs are most developed in exposed alpine ares. This layer is easily triggered where it sits on preserved surface hoar crystals.
Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 17th, 2016 8:00AM