Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2018 4:27PM

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

jmcbride, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

With heavy snow and high winds in the forecast, Sunday looks like a great day to enjoy the resort. Or stick to simple, low-angle terrain free of overhead hazard if you choose to venture into the backcountry.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

TONIGHT: Heavy snow. Accumulation 30-40 cm. Ridge wind strong to extreme, south. Temperature -1. Freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Heavy snow. Accumulation 35-45 cm. Ridge wind strong to extreme, south. Temperature -1. Freezing level 1000 m.MONDAY: Flurries. Accumulation 5-15 cm. Ridge wind light to moderate, southwest. Temperature -2. Freezing level 900 m.TUESDAY: Snow. Accumulation 20-30 cm. Ridge wind strong to extreme, south. Temperature -1. Freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday explosive control work produced several size 1-1.5 avalanches ranging from 20-60 cm deep and failing within the recent storm snow.Friday, ski cutting produced size 1-1.5, storm snow releases in all steep terrain. Rapid loading and significant cornice development were also reported on Friday with professionals in the region commenting that conditions were changing dramatically during the day, and avalanche hazard increasing.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1000m about 60 cm of new snow has fallen with as much as 80-90 cm of new snow at higher elevations. This storm snow now covers a crust that was buried on January 17th. Below this crust the upper snowpack which consists of 90 cm of moist to wet snow and three prominent crusts (buried January 10th, January 8th and January 7th respectively). While these crust remain easily identifiable they have been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. The snowpack depth at 1000 m is now about 200 cm.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow and strong winds have formed deep storm slabs. These slabs have been very reactive to skier triggering, particularly in steeper terrain and wind-loaded areas.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.The new snow will need time to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2018 2:00PM