Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2013 9:32AM

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

slemieux, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night and Thursday: An upper ridge persists on the region bringing dry conditions, moderate to strong winds from the Western quadrant and an inversion with temperatures above the freezing level between 2000 m. and 2500 m. Friday: Traces of snow are forecasted with moderate winds from the NW and dropping freezing levels to 600 m. Saturday: Similar conditions are expected with lighter winds from the S and slightly warmer temperatures (around -4 C in the alpine).

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry avalanches have been reported in steep terrain and also loose moist avalanches on steep solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasted alpine warming and direct sun may lead to a loose moist snow surface. New wind slabs were formed by recent NW winds below ridgetops on lee aspects. Loose dry snow is sluffing in sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, in rocky, thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and direct sun may loosen surface snow layers.

Be cautious on sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

New winds slabs were recently formed by NW winds and forecasted strong SW winds could also create new winds slabs on lee slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2013 2:00PM