Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2016 7:49AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Forecast light snow and wind may continue to build thin wind slabs in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A weak low pressure system has been deflected by the ridge towards the interior ranges. Temperatures should remain cold with freezing levels at valley bottoms for the duration of the forecast. Cloudy with some flurries and light snow falls are expected on Monday night and Tuesday, accumulating 5-10 cm. Continued flurries on Wednesday and Thursday with a total of 3-5 cm expected. Wind should be light from the southeast for the duration of the forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Some isolated wind slab avalanches reported up to size 1.5

Snowpack Summary

The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on many intermediate aspects, especially those exposed to warm air and strong solar radiation. Winds continue to form slabs on a variety of alpine and tree line aspects. Surface hoar and surface facetting has been reported in sheltered locations. The snowpack is generally considered stable, but pockets of steep terrain have been sluffing up to size 2 on solar aspects, and also in some steep northern exposures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast light snow and wind may continue to develop thin wind slabs in the alpine. Forecast southeast winds may create some reverse wind loading.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2016 2:00PM