Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2012 8:53AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Friday: Cloudy with isolated flurries and moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing levels around 1300m. Saturday and Sunday: A ridge of high pressure is expected to keep the region dry with daytime freezing levels around 800-1000m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include one cornice failure, but it didn't trigger a slab on the slope below.

Snowpack Summary

Generally over 4 m at treeline, total snowpack depths are at new record levels for this time of year. Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and weak storm slab development at lower elevations. Light amounts of new snow and moderate southerly winds are keeping wind slabs fresh in alpine and exposed treeline areas. Recent compression tests on a northeast aspect at 1180m produced moderate sudden results on the January 20th facets where they were found down 40cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Below ridge crests, behind terrain features and in cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Storm Slabs

Facets down 40-60cm may take some time to gain strength. Watch steep slopes, convex rolls, and unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2012 3:00AM