Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2019 3:22PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Some models forecast up to 50 cm snow accumulating by the end of the day Friday. Avalanche hazard will increase as rain turns to snow and storm slabs develop.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods and isolated showers. Freezing level 1500 m. Alpine low +2. Moderate gusting strong southeast wind.THURSDAY: Rain with wet snow in the alpine, 18-23 mm. Freezing level 1500 m. Alpine high +3. Moderate gusting strong southeast wind.FRIDAY: Snow and rain, 40-50 cm. Freezing level 1600 m. Alpine high +3. Moderate to strong south wind.SATURDAY: Snow, 20-25 cm. Freezing level 1500 m. Alpine high +2. Moderate south wind gusting strong to extreme.More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported. On Friday, loose wet avalanches released naturally below 1200 m. Skiers were able to trigger loose wet avalanches which ran on an ice layer down 15-20 cm. Size 2 wet slabs were also observed in the Sky Pilot area are thought to have occurred on Thursday or Friday.We appreciate any observations shared on the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures have created moist surface snow, which has refrozen into crusts. The snowpack is well settled. Snowpack depths have shrunk considerably below tree line.In the north of the region, you may find wind-affected snow or dry snow (on shady aspects) at upper elevations. Lingering cornices may fail with warming with added loading from rain or snow. A solid surface crust exists below about 1700 m.

Problems

Wind Slabs

On sheltered aspects in the alpine, wind slabs may be found in lee and cross loaded terrain. Use caution as you transition onto wind-loaded terrain, especially around cornices and ridge features.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are expected to form with snowfall starting Thursday. At least initially, new snow is not expected to bond well with surface crusts and recently formed surface hoar.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be alert to conditions that change through the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2019 2:00PM