Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2013 8:39AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Strong S to SW winds. Alpine temperature near -7. 15-20 cm snow, mostly arriving late in the day.Â Friday: Strong SW winds. Alpine temperature near -5. 5-10 cm snow.Saturday: Moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -5. 15-20 cm snow.

Avalanche Summary

Naturally-triggered moist avalanches were observed near Terrace on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is landing on a medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. New snow may bond poorly to some of these surfaces, especially where surface hoar sits on a hard crust. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack give moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Incoming snow may bond poorly to old surfaces. New wind slabs are also likely to develop during the storm.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2013 2:00PM