Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Feb 1 – 2, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

As snow accumulates on Monday, the Avalanche Danger will rise. Expect reactive new storm slabs to form.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    In the mid snowpack there are a few crusts which may be reactive with the potential for large avalanches. Although less likely to trigger, these persistent weak layers may "wake-up" in response to a large trigger such as a cornice fall.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    New snow and wind on Sunday night and Monday will form new storm slabs. Watch for triggering in higher elevation, wind-exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–6
    Although less likely to trigger, recent avalanche activity suggests weak layers buried at the beginning of the winter should still be our radar, especially in the north of the region. Avalanches at this interface may reach their run-out zones.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Another pacific frontal system will bring snowfall to the coast on Monday. Lingering flurries are expected on Tuesday before a weak dry ridge of high pressure builds on Wednesday.    Sunday night and Monday: Up to 15cm of snow / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at valley bottom    Tuesday: Very light snowfall and broken cloud / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at valley bottom    Wednesday: Broken cloud / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at valley bottom

Avalanche Summary

Several storm slabs to size 2.5 were reported in the wake of Thursday night's storm. With more snow and wind on the way on Sunday night and Monday, I'd expect continued storm slab activity. It's important to keep in mind, a surface avalanche in motion may be what it takes to trigger deeper, more destructive persistent slab avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Prior to the weekend, moderate to locally heavy snowfall and strong southwest winds built deep storm slabs which may still be reactive in wind-exposed terrain. More snow and wind forecast for Sunday night and Monday will add to this ongoing storm slab problem.About 70cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which was buried on January 26. Limited observations suggest the overlying slab may have a reasonable bond at this interface.A rain crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January may be found at variable depths (in some areas over 100cm below the surface). This layer has reportedly gained significant strength, although I would keep it on my radar especially at higher elevations or in the far north of the region. Near the base of the snowpack is a crust-facet combination buried in November. This deep persistent weakness was recently reactive, and may still be touchy in the far north of the region. Wherever you are, I'd be cautious of this deep and destructive layer. Possible triggers include thin spot triggering in high elevation terrain, or a cornice fall.

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