Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 15 – 16, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Incoming precipitation with strong S-SW winds will create wind-slabs at treeline and above on existing crusts. Surface hoar has formed in protected locations. Careful terrain evaluation will be important during this next storm cycle

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    New snow being redistributed by strong winds will create a serious hazard at treeline and above.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–5
    This persistent slab problem may be out of the picture soon, but might be triggered on high north aspects where the recent crust did not develop.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

A fast moving cold front moves inland today bringing strong southwest winds and precipitation to the South Coast Inland area. 10 to 20cm of snow forecast for upper elevations. Saturday there will be a small break in the weather with another 10 to 20cm on Sunday. Freezing levels will fluctuate between 800 to 1500 metres as the storm moves through.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

New storm snow being redistributed by strong winds on top of the crust will be the situation to watch. There are a variety of layers previously mentioned in snowpack discussions, but unless there is an extreme weather event, they are likely to remain out of the picture  for the time being. Surface hoar development has been reported on North aspects up to ridge tops. One operator reported that the Jan. 4th surface hoar layer may now be buried by as much as 20 to 40 cm.

Regions covered