Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2013–Jan 20th, 2013
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Inversion. Freezing level at surface. Above freezing layer from 1500m – 2200m. Ridgetop winds Strong NW. Treeline winds moderate NW. No precipMonday: Inversion. Freezing level at surface. Above freezing layer from 1500m – 2200m. Ridgetop winds Strong NW. Treeline winds light W. No precipTuesday: Inversion. Freezing level at surface. Above freezing layer from 1500m – 2200m. Ridgetop winds Strong NW, switching to strong W as ridge flattens in the afternoon. Treeline winds light W switching SW after lunch. No precip

Avalanche Summary

No new natural activity. On Friday a group of skiers triggered a small (size 1.5) hard slab avalanche the failed when the 3rd skier traversed across an east facing slope at 2000m.

Snowpack Summary

Savage winds out of the NW have wreaked havoc on the region.  N & W facing slopes are wind pressed or wind-stripped.  Slopes lee to these winds were left with wind slabs up to a meter in depth in open areas. Warm temperatures have created moist snow that can be found on almost all aspects up to 2300m.  Protected areas are growing surface hoar to 10mm, while many other slopes are sporting a zipper crust due to the warm temps.  Under the snow surface lies the January 4th interface, down around 75 cm & obviously much deeper in wind loaded areas.  This layer of small/facets/crusts and intermittent surface hoar is producing planar shears in some drainages and no failure at all in others.  At the moment it's tough to find soft snow to recreate in.  The midpack is well good, nicely bonded and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous extreme winds out of the W/NW left hard slabs, soft slabs, sastrugi and potentially unstable cornices in their wake. Many of these slabs have grown old and tired, but the odd sensitive slab may still be lurking out there.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Slopes that didn't slide during last week's avalanche cycle are still of concern. Triggering of this layer is most likely in steep unsupported terrain. Triggering may become more likely in the afternoon on sun exposed slopes.
Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5