Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2014 8:44AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall, rain in some areas / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level rising through the day to 1000mMonday: Moderate snowfall / Strong west winds / Freezing level at 100mmTuesday: Heavy snow and rain / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing levels rising to 2000m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche have been reported

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack seems shallower and more faceted in the northern part of the region, and deeper with more wind slab problems in the south. Professionals in the area note there is much more snow cover variability this year compared to most years.Around the Skeena corridor 30-50cm of recently fallen snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include surface hoar in sheltered locations, and wind-affected snow at upper elevations. Depending on your location, you may find a facet/crust combo or surface hoar about 60cm below the surface. Report suggest these layers are gaining strength; however, they may be worth keeping an eye on as the snow load above them increases. Below this the mid and lower snowpack layers area are reported to be strong and well bonded in most of the region however basal weaknesses

Problems

Storm Slabs

Moderate snowfall and forecast strong winds will add to a developing storm slab. In sheltered locations this may sit above a layer of surface hoar. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-exposed terrain.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of buried facets near the ground continues to be a concern in the north of the region. Watch for increased triggering in unsupported terrain with a variable or shallow snowpack.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2014 2:00PM