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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 16th, 2016–Jan 17th, 2016
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
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

Regions: Purcells.

Conditions vary significantly throughout the region. If you're venturing to deeper snowpack areas on the western side of the region where the avalanche danger may be higher, consider also checking the neighbouring South Columbia bulletin.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

On Sunday expect light flurries and moderate southwest ridgetop winds. On Sunday night the winds will become strong with 3-5 cm of new snow expected overnight. Light flurries and a mix of sun and cloud are forecast for Monday and Tuesday.Freezing levels should remain at valley bottom for the forecast period. For a more detailed weather overview, check out our Mountain Weather Forecast at avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

Pockets of wind slab to size 1.5 continue to be triggered naturally or under light loads on a variety of aspects in the alpine. Loose dry snow continues to be reported falling naturally from steep terrain up to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

Light and dry new snow has been transported into stiff wind slabs that are 10-20 cm deep in the alpine and at treeline.  The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs continue to be a concern for human triggering in the alpine and at treeline. Forecast new snow and wind are expected to develop fresh windslabs.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3