Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2014 8:32AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: The ridge of high pressure is expected to shift Eastwards allowing a weak front to approach the coast. Expect increasing cloud during the day with light Southerly winds. Freezing levels should gradually lower to about 2000 metres as the inversion breaks down.Tuesday: Cloudy with light precipitation beginning in the afternoon. Winds increasing to moderate from the Southwest and freezing levels between 1000-1500 metres.Wednesday: 5-10 cm of snow above 1000 metres. Winds moderate from the West.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported

Snowpack Summary

Very warm alpine temperatures have been reported over the past few days that have not allowed for much crust recovery. Melt-freeze crusts have developed at lower elevations where overnight minimum temperatures dropped below freezing. Some very protected North aspects have been reported to still be dry with near surface facetting occurring. There continues to be a concern for deeply buried layers of weak facetted crystals, this is mostly 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

Loose Wet

Forecast increased cloud cover in the afternoon is expected to reduce this problem. The warm air inversion is also forecast to start to break down in the afternoon. Mostly a problem in very steep terrain on Southerly aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2014 2:00PM