Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2016 9:32AM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. If you receive more than 20 cm of new snow, consider the alpine danger rating to be HIGH.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The next Pacific frontal system will reach the Interior tonight spreading moderate precipitation amounts through Wednesday. Average snow amounts range from 15-25 cm by Wednesday afternoon, localized amounts could be higher. Ridgetop winds will be moderate-strong from the SW, alpine temperatures -7 and dropping. A split flow in the jet stream will guide subsequent Pacific storms south of B.C. bringing mostly dry and unsettled weather Thursday and Friday. The next storm will move onshore sometime Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous small, natural and rider triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 and widespread loose dry sluffing up to size 1 were reported from the region. With new snow forecast, storm slab avalanches will likely become more of a widespread avalanche problem.

Snowpack Summary

New snow 5-15 cm recently fell over the region, soft storm slabs now overlie a variety of touchy weak layers. Storm and wind slabs will likely continue to build with forecast snow on Wednesday. There is now up to 45 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Building storm slabs sit on a variety of weak layers making avalanche conditions touchy.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2016 2:00PM