Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2014 7:56AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snowfall throughout the day becoming moderate through the evening / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceWednesday: Steady snowfall in the early morning becoming light / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceThursday: Light snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 400m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. I would expect touchy storm slab conditions with forecast weather over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

A developing storm slab overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Strong winds are likely shifting the new snow into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. As the new slab develops and gains cohesion, I would expect it to have a poor bond with any of these old surfaces.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

A developing storm slab sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Watch for triggering in wind-exposed terrain.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2014 2:00PM