Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2019 4:12PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Variable snowfall amounts are forecast for the region, with the most expected in the south. Treat the danger as HIGH if you find more than 30 cm of snow accumulation. This snow may be very touchy to human traffic.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm and possibly more in the south of the region, strong to extreme southwest winds, freezing level 800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level rising to 1400 m.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light north winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 800 m.MONDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Avalanche activity may increase into the weekend, depending on how much snow accumulates.

Snowpack Summary

Around 5 to 10 cm of snow fell on Friday and more is expected on Saturday. All this snow is falling onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In sections of the region, for example in Manning Park, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer has not produced any recent avalanches but snowpack tests suggest that it still could.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Expect to find new snow and howling southwest winds on Saturday. The recent snow likely won't bond well to underlying surfaces. Travel conservatively, particularly if you notice substantial accumulation and slab properties.

Observe for the bond of the new snow to underlying surfaces.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2019 2:00PM