Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–3
Wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. A storm slab may also exist in specific terrain below treeline.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapSouth Columbia
Jan 11 – 12, 2016Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 11 years ago
Avalanche danger
Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
The weather pattern is finally changing for the better and new snow is on the way. Watch for changing avalanche conditions in your local riding area.
Avalanche problems
Loose Dry
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible - Likely
- Size
- 1–3
The new snow will likely have a poor bond to current snow surfaces. Loose dry avalanches may have enough mass to push you off your feet and even bury you.
Confidence
Moderate
Weather Forecast
The weather pattern is finally changing. A weak frontal system will break down the persistent valley cloud and temperature inversion bringing upper elevation clouds, snow accumulations 5-10 cm, and light SW winds. By Wednesday, the Interior regions will see an additional 5-15 cm of new snow with strong SW winds and alpine temperatures near -10. Unsettled conditions continue through Thursday.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday there was numerous reports of loose dry sluffing up to size 1.5, most seemed to be solar induced at higher elevations. With new snow forecast, loose dry and storm slab avalanches could become more of a widespread problem.
Snowpack Summary
Snow surfaces are generally loose and unconsolidated except in isolated locations where wind slabs or new storm slabs exist. Surfaces above the inversion clouds (1900 m +) are riddled with new surface hoar growth up to 20 mm in size. Below this, up to 30 cm of recent settling snow is sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.