Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2014 8:30AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Light to locally moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 700mFriday: Light snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 600mSaturday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 500m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported, although activity in neighboring regions suggests there was likely a round of storm slab activity to size 2 in response to recent wind and snow.

Snowpack Summary

Between 20 and 45cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Reports from the field indicate a poor bond between the new snow and these old surface. Strong winds and slight warming have likely added cohesion to the new storm slab, and have shifted the new snow into deeper, reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

In some areas over 40cm of new snow sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Watch for increased triggering in wind-exposed terrain where deeper, more destructive slabs are likely to exist.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2014 2:00PM