Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2019 4:28PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Snowfall amounts and freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday. Be ready to adjust your plans according to conditions as you find them.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: 10-15 cm snow. Freezing level rising to 1400 m. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. WEDNESDAY: 15-20 cm snow. Freezing level near 1600 m. Moderate to strong southerly winds. Expect a further 10 cm overnight. THURSDAY: 2-5 cm snow. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds.FRIDAY: Flurries. Freezing level rising through the day to near 1700 m. More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Skiers triggered small wind slabs near ridge crest on Monday, but generally little avalanche activity has been reported over the last couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong winds have built wind slabs and cornices on a variety of slopes. New snow, wind and warming are expected to build new storm slabs on top of these.Professionals continue to monitor two weak layers the upper 100-150 cm of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Incoming snow, wind and warming are expected to create touchy slab conditions.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger deep slabs.Avoid steep or convex slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2019 2:00PM

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