Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2016 7:33AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Isolated parts of the region have enough cohesive snow above a surface hoar layer to create a touchy storm slab problem. Investigate locally.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A dominant ridge of high pressure brings continued dry weather, a mix of sun and cloud, light northerly winds and cool temperatures. Above about 2000 m, a temperature inversion is expected to raise temps to around -4.For more details check out http://www.avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of small storm slabs were triggered by skiers on Friday below treeline. These failed on buried surface hoar. Some loose dry activity has also been noted.

Snowpack Summary

Thin new wind slabs have developed at higher elevations over the past few days. There is now 15-30 cm of snow sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. The new snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated except where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be sitting on recent surface hoar and near surface facets. In areas not affected by winds, a storm slab may be reactive to human triggers in specific locations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2016 2:00PM