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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 1st, 2019–Jan 2nd, 2019
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast.

Danger will increase throughout the day on Wednesday as an intense storm builds fresh storm slabs.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud, light wind from the west, alpine temperatures drop to -4 C, freezing level around 800 m.WEDNESDAY: Stormy weather starting in the afternoon with 10-20 cm of snow by the afternoon and freezing level around 800 m, then things really intensify overnight with another 30-60 cm as the freezing level rises to 1400 m and the snow transitions to rain, strong wind from the southwest throughout the storm.THURSDAY: Heavy rain (possibly another 40-100 mm), freezing level up to 1800-2000 m, extreme wind from the southwest.FRIDAY: Another 15-20 mm of rain as the freezing level drops to 1300 m, then gradual clearing in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh storm slabs will build on Wednesday before the precipitation transitions to rain on Thursday. The new snow is falling on a widespread crust that extends at least to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The lower snowpack is well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build throughout the day and become very reactive by Wednesday evening.
Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2