Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2014 8:51AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels nearing 2000m with moderate westerly winds. Friday and Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds and freezing levels over 3000 m. Temperature at 2000m could reach as high as +10 C, but valley bottoms could be slightly cooler.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanches have been reported for several days.

Snowpack Summary

Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures and sun-exposure have subjected the snow surface to melt-freeze cycles on lower elevation and sun-exposed slopes. On shady aspects expect to find faceted powder; however, in exposed areas winds have scoured windward slopes, left deep drifts on lee aspects, and and sculpted sastrugi. A facet/crust combo from late November down approximately 100-120 cm at treeline and alpine elevations continues to give sudden results in snowpack tests. Facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remain a concern on slopes with a shallow and variable snowpack in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin areas.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Particularly a concern on shallow rocky southern aspects with heavy triggers. Warm temperature and sun-exposure are expected to increase the likelihood of triggering these facets deep in the snowpack. Cornice falls could also act as natural triggers.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Avoid convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2014 2:00PM