Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2013 10:10AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain for the entire period
Weather Forecast
A drying trend is expected to evolve throughout the forecast period as ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. Friday and Saturday should see a mix of sun and cloud; however, Sunday is more likely to see generally clear skies. Overnight cooling with a strong daytime solar influence becomes more likely throughout the period. Winds are expected to remain generally light and west/northwesterly.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a few small, skier-triggered loose snow avalanches failed within the new snow in steep terrain.No other avalanches were reported.
Snowpack Summary
Light to locally moderate amounts of recently fallen snow have been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness remains a concern of professionals in the region and continues to show 'sudden' fracture characteristics in snowpack tests.The snowpack below this is generally well bonded.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2013 2:00PM