Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2014 8:58AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The ridge continues to dominate the weather pattern. No snow for the foreseeable future on the South Coast.Wednesday: Freezing Level: 1500m; Precip: Nil; Wind: Light, VariableThursday: Freezing Level: 3200m Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NorthFriday: Freezing Level: 3000m Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NE

Avalanche Summary

No significant new observations Sat, Sun or Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures have left the snow surface in rough shape. A crust can be found on steep solar aspects to ridge top and on all aspects below 1600m. The crust has been breaking down when subjected to direct sun and still air. Previous winds have scoured windward slopes and sculpted sastrugi (raised ridges of snow) in exposed areas. Average treeline snowpack depths are around 170 cm. Initially, the bond below the most recent storm snow was reported to be weak and comprised surface hoar, at least in some locations. Recent snowpack tests indicate that this layer has gained strength and it is difficult to find a shear within the top 100 cm of the snowpack.There are two lower layers that professionals area tracking near the base of the snowpack. A facet/crust combo from late November is still giving "sudden" results in compression tests and exists at treeline and alpine elevations. Facets still exist at the base of the snowpack, and are especially robust in alpine features where there was a shallow early season snowpack.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
It's getting to the point where it's difficult to trigger an avalanche in most of the region, but it's certainly not impossible.  Be wary of steep faces receiving direct sun and do your best to avoid potential weak areas as listed below.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Avoid steep convexities, rock outcroppings and places where the snowpack goes from thick to thin.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2014 2:00PM