Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Jan 2 – 3, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Be aware of the potential for an above freezing layer on Thursday. This warm air (combined with solar warming) may destabilize the surface snow and cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    As wind directions change, you may find windslabs in unusual locations.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Cornices may fall off naturally during periods of warm air at higher elevations combined with solar warming.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Expect lots of valley cloud with temperatures reaching -5, moderate southwesterly winds and a chance of isolated flurries. An above freezing layer may persist giving temperatures up to 3 between 2000-2500m.Friday: Mostly cloudy with temperatures around -9. Winds turn northerly, and remain moderate. No precipitation.Saturday: Continued cloudy with temperatures reaching -5 under light southerly winds. Building flurries are possible.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity in the region has been limited to small loose snow avalanches running in steep terrain. This has been more prominent on sunny slopes as the radiation penetrates the snow surface. Glide cracks continue to open.

Snowpack Summary

Minor surface hoar growth continues in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Surface facetting is loosening the upper layers, allowing for a slight increase in sluffing. Recent small surface hoar is buried beneath a thin layer of cold dry snow. Wind slabs continue to develop due to the availability of loose snow for transport. Deeper weak layers have not been reactive.

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