Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2015–Jan 20th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Conditions are improving but continue to exercise caution in wind affected terrain and during periods of intense sunshine.

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A building ridge of high pressure should give the South Coast dry conditions with a mix of sun and cloud for the next few days. The freezing level is around 1000 m on Tuesday but could bump up to 1800-2000 m on Wednesday/Thursday. Ridge winds should be light and variable. The next significant weather system might reach our region on Friday bringing moderate snow or rain.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 2 natural wind slabs were observed throughout the region on the weekend. The storm slab was reported to be sensitive to rider triggered at and below treeline in the Northern part of the region on Sunday. Here it was failing on the crust/surface hoar interface down around 35 cm.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts vary from north to south with an average of 25-35 cm of new snow near the Duffey Lake Road and 40-60 cm in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass). Strong W-SW winds have formed deep and dense wind slabs in wind-affected terrain. The fresh storm and wind slabs overlie a hard crust and/or surface hoar. Recent snowpack tests show the potential for riders to trigger avalanches at this interface below the storm snow. Deeper snowpack weaknesses are still on our radar, but seem to be dormant for the time being.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have built wind slabs on lee slopes. These may be possible to trigger with the weight of a person in steep unsupported terrain.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Wet

Expect loose wet slides on steep sun-exposed slopes if the sun is out. Move to cooler shady slopes if the snow surface is getting moist or wet.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2