Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Jan 1 – 2, 2014Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Primarily a concern in Northern sections. A buried surface hoar layer in the middle of the snowpack could be triggered by additional loading from snow or wind or by the weight of a rider. Also, a weak facet/crust combo lurks near the ground.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–5
    Storm slabs and wind slabs continue to build and may release naturally with more load or from the weight of a rider. Watch for touchy wind slabs on exposed north through southeast facing slopes and cross-loaded features in the alpine and treeline.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

The storm system will ease on Thursday. On Friday a ridge of high pressure will build and dry conditions are expected on Saturday.Thursday: Precipitation in the morning (2-5cm) ending by the afternoon, freezing levels 300-500m, light to moderate W-NW ridgetop windsFriday/Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud, dry conditions, treeline temperatures -10 to -15C, light to moderate NW ridgetop winds

Avalanche Summary

No recent natural avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Southern Sections: 40-50cm of new snow has fallen in the last 4 days. The recent storm snow is likely "upside down" feeling, with heavier snow on top due to warming at the tail end of the system. Winds were also very strong from the SW most likely creating fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain at all elevations. Freezing levels climbed to near 1500 m resulting in moist snow or rain below treeline. Much of the low elevation snowpack has been washed away by recent rain.Northern Sections: Weaknesses may still exist within the recent storm snow. Fresh dense wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded features at all elevations. A recently buried surface hoar layer is now down around 80 cm and is likely primed for rider triggering. A facet/crust layer exists near the base of the snowpack, primarily on higher NW through E facing slopes. Triggering this layer may be unlikely, but if triggered the resulting avalanche would be very large and dangerous.

Regions covered