Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2013–Feb 20th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated until Friday afternoon, when a frontal system is expected to bring moderate precipitation.Wednesday: Flurries possible, also some clear breaks. Calm or light westerly winds. Freezing level around 800 m in the afternoon.Thursday: Light snowfall, 2-5 cm. Light southwesterly winds. Freezing level around 600 m.Friday: Moderate snowfall. Southwesterly winds 30-50 km/h. Freezing level around 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

Loose snow avalanches have been reported in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of recent snow (more like 30 cm in Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. This burial depth is still shallow, and for the most part the snow above is still light. However, there may be isolated slopes where the wind has blown the new snow into wind-stiffened deposits sufficiently deep to create a potentially harmful slide. Additionally, the well-developed crystals associated with this weak layer indicate it is likely to stay with us for a while and present bigger problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers 30 and 50 cm below the surface (Feb 4th and Jan 23, respectively) are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Generally light but locally gusty winds may have loaded or cross-loaded exposed slopes on a potentially weak interface. Recent winds have blown from the east, making loading on unusual aspects possible.

Watch for freshly wind loaded features on steep terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4