Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2019 4:36PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Snow, wind and warming are combining to create avalanche conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: 20-25 cm snow. Freezing level near 1200 m. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. WEDNESDAY: 15-20 cm snow above about 1500 m, with slush/rain below. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. Expect a further 25-30 mm/cm overnight. THURSDAY: 10 cm snow above about 1700 m, with slush/rain below. Moderate to strong south-westerly winds. Expect a further 10 mm/cm overnight. FRIDAY: 5 cm snow above about 2000 m. Freezing level rising through the day to near 2100 m. More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is expected to create storm slabs at treeline and above. At lower elevations, rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches. At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is slowly settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast snow, warming and winds make a good recipe for storm slabs.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded slopes.Avoid steep slopes and convexities.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Be cautious at and below treeline, where rain on snow may weaken surface layers. Loose wet avalanches can pick up steam and push you around.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2019 2:00PM