Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Jan 10 – 11, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Check out the Forecaster's Blog for thoughts about the coming weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. These could be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–6
    Storm snow is particularly reactive where it overlies buried surface hoar. This weakness may be triggered from a distance and avalanches could be surprisingly large.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light NW wind. Alpine temperature near -15. No snow.Saturday: Light W wind. Alpine temperature near -12. No snow.Sunday: Light NW wind. Alpine temperature near -14. No snow.

Avalanche Summary

A natural cycle of size 1-3 storm slabs occurred over the last three days. Skiers also several avalanches up to size 2, failing on buried surface hoar or facets.

Snowpack Summary

50-90 cm of recent snow has developed into slabs above old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but in the neighbouring North Columbia region, it is extremely touchy in some areas, with widespread propagation and remote-triggering occurring. I don’t yet have enough information to know how isolated this problem is, so you’ll need to get your shovel out and test this layer in your local area.Strong winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.

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