Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2017 5:05PM

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

cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A thin rain crust is helping to keep wind slabs in check at lower elevations, but they may remain touchy in the alpine - especially if the sun hits them.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Sunny with cloudy periods and no new snow. Winds light from the west. Alpine temperatures of -6.Friday: Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow. Winds light gusting to moderate from the west. Alpine temperatures of -2Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow. Winds light to moderate from the south.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

The mountains of the South Coast region received 15-20cm of snow over Sunday and Monday. The southwest flow of the storm, followed by strong northeast winds over Tuesday resulted in pockets of wind slab being formed on all aspects in exposed areas. A thin rain crust can be found 5cm below the surface at treeline and below. This has limited the wind redistribution at lower elevations. The new wind slabs have already gained considerable strength but could remain reactive on steeper unsupported terrain at higher elevations where this crust does not exist. The new snow came in wet and heavy (especially in the North Shore mountains) and bonded well to 15 cm of settling snow from Friday's storm. Friday's snow buried a variable interface composed of faceted (sugary) snow and old hard wind slabs (especially at higher elevations). Recent reports suggest the snow has bonded well to this interface. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab are lingering near exposed terrain features on a range of aspects at upper elevations. Avoid steep, unsupported terrain at higher elevations where slabs are more likely to stay reactive.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2017 2:00PM