Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2016 8:57AM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

The weather pattern is finally changing for the better and new snow is on the way. Watch for changing avalanche conditions in your local riding area.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

The weather pattern is finally changing. A weak frontal system will break down the persistent valley cloud and temperature inversion bringing upper elevation clouds, snow accumulations 5-10 cm, and light SW winds. By Wednesday, the Interior regions will see an additionalÂ 5-15 cm of new snow with strong SW winds and alpine temperatures near -10. Unsettled conditions continue through Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday there was numerous reports of loose dry sluffing up to size 1.5, most seemed to be solar induced at higher elevations. With new snow forecast,Â loose dry and storm slab avalanches could become more of a widespread problem.

Snowpack Summary

Snow surfaces are generally loose and unconsolidated except in isolated locations where wind slabs or new storm slabs exist. Surfaces above the inversion clouds (1900 m +) are riddled with new surface hoar growth up to 20 mm in size. Below this, up to 30 cm of recent settling snow is sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. A storm slab may also exist in specific terrain below treeline.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities when below treeline.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

The new snow will likely have a poor bond to current snow surfaces. Loose dry avalanches may have enough mass to push you off your feet and even bury you.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2016 2:00PM