Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2019 3:46PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Hazard is highest in alpine elevations where dry snow has accumulated and been redistributed by wind. As freezing levels rise to alpine elevations, the warming snowpack may produce loose-wet avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Showers and slush, 10 mm rain with 10 cm snow falling above 1700 m. Moderate south-southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 1700 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate southeast wind. Freezing level rising above 2000 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud and chance of showers, up to 6 mm rain. Light to moderate southeast wind. Freezing level above 2400 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light south wind. Freezing level above 2500 m.More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1700 m, up to 30-40 cm recent snow is being redistributed by wind and forming cornices. Below 1600 m, the snowpack is settled. New snow is expected to create storm slabs in the alpine. As freezing levels rise, warming temperatures and rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches. At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

In alpine areas to the north, recent dry snow is being redistributed into cornices and depositing snow in lee terrain. The deepest and most sensitive deposits of snow will be found in wind-loaded terrain.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

As freezing levels rise above 1700m, concern for loose wet avalanches will apply to alpine terrain.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Minimize exposure to cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2019 2:00PM