Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2016 8:35AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Low Danger doesn't mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly light while freezing levels will hover around 500m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

In the past couple of days there was generally 5-10cm of new snow with maybe 15cm in the odd location. The fresh snow covers old surfaces including: melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, wind drifted snow in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Winds were strong enough on Tuesday that soft wind slabs are possible at high-elevation in terrain lee to southerly winds. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

There was just enough recent snow and wind for fresh pockets of wind slabs. Although they have likely gained significant strength, wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering in isolated terrain.

Minimize exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be extra cautious in areas that were reverse loaded by winds.>Watch for changing conditions as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2016 2:00PM