Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2016–Jan 25th, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Purcells.

Wind slabs below and above tree line are now quite touchy, use caution traveling through this elevation band.A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect for this region.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

The southern interior will be under the influence of a weak high pressure system for the forecast period. Partly cloudy skies with some sunny periods and freezing levels at valley bottom overnight, then rising to around 1000 metres during the day. The next Pacific frontal system will move into the area late Thursday afternoon with freezing level forecast to rise above 2000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Reports continue to advise of natural, skier remote, skier controlled and explosive result avalanches up to size 3. Many of these failed on a crust/facet interface 30 to 50 cm from the surface . Moderate to winds, new snow and rising temperatures increase the  likelihood of avalanches. Human triggering remains a real possibility through the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Conditions are widely variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be easily triggered by a skier or sledder. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now 40 to 80cm down in some areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Touchy winds slabs exist above and below tree line, an could easily be triggered by a sledder or skier.
Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

A small avalanche could provide enough mass and force to trigger this deeper instability
Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline, and north-facing alpine slopes, where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Be aware of the potential for remote triggers and wide propagations.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5