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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2019–Jan 8th, 2019
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Recent winds have left behind wind slabs and built cornices. Keep track of where you are in the terrain to avoid these areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Around 5-10 cm snow beginning around midday. Freezing level near valley bottom. Moderate southerly winds. Alpine high -5. Expect a further 5-10 cm snow overnight.WEDNESDAY: 5-10 cm snow. Freezing level near 800 m. Moderate southerly winds. Alpine high near -3. Expect a further 5-10 cm snow overnight. THURSDAY: 5 cm snow. Freezing level rising to near 1500 m. Moderate southerly winds. Alpine high near -1. More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

After an active avalanche cycle last week, activity dwindled by Sunday. Some whumpfing was reported in the north of the region on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

50-100 cm of storm snow has accumulated throughout the region since January 1. Strong to extreme winds have promoted slab formation and cornice growth. The recent storm snow sits on two weak layers that formed in mid and late December. These layers consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.In the northern portion of the region, a deeper weak layer composed of facets (sugary snow) and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm. There have been no reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest that avalanches may still be possible on this layer with a heavy load such as a cornice fall.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong and variable winds have created wind slabs at alpine, treeline and below treeline elevations.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Cornices

Cornices can fail naturally or with the weight of a person. They make good triggers for avalanches on slopes below.
Be aware of the potential for cornices failures to trigger slab avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2