Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2012 3:00PM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Good - -1

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: 5-10cm of new snow (perhaps more in the Cascades) with freezing levels around 1500m rising as high as 2000m in the afternoon, and strong southwesterly winds. Wednesday: 10-30cm of new snow with freezing levels around 1300m and continued strong southwesterly winds. Thursday: 5-10cm of new snow with freezing levels back to valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the past 24 hours.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures have helped to settle out weaknesses within and under last weeks storm snow, however wind slabs are still fresh and weak. Various mid-pack persistent weaknesses lurk in the northern part of the region. Recent compression tests produced moderate to hard, but often sudden shears on surface hoar down around 60cm at treeline in the Duffey Lake area. Elsewhere, mid-pack facets have also been giving sudden results in snowpack tests, especially where they are associated with a crust, which extends into treeline elevations. Basal facets remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are lurking below ridgecrests, behind terrain features and in cross-loaded gullies.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Weaknesses exist within or at the base of the storm snow. Triggering will become more likely with forecast wind, snow, and rising freezing levels.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Primarily a concern in the northern part of the region. Persistent weaknesses are susceptible to human triggers, even on low-angled slopes, and slabs can propagate over large areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2012 8:00AM