Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2019 3:48PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A warm snowpack can weaken quickly, use caution around cornices and steep slopes until temperatures drop.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods. Freezing level dropping below 1600 m. Alpine low +2. Light southeast winds.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level near 1900 m. Alpine high near +3. Light to moderate east-southeast winds.THURSDAY: Showers, 10 mm. Freezing level near 1500 m. Alpine high near +3. Moderate south-southwest wind gusting strong.FRIDAY: Periods of rain, 15-20 mm. Freezing level rising to 1700 m. Alpine high near +3. Moderate southwest winds.More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

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 at low elevations and on sunny aspects. 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. A solid surface crust exists below about 1700 m.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices can weaken quickly with rapid warming or loading from rain or snow, and can act as triggers for avalanches on the slope below.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Sun and warmth can lead to loose wet and wet slab avalanche conditions. Look for clues like sticky snow, rollerballing or recent avalanche activity to indicate that the snowpack is losing cohesion.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.