Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2017 4:50PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Continually assess conditions as you travel and watch out for isolated (wind) slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Sunny with 20 Km/hr northeast winds. Freezing level dropping to sea level. Treeline temperatures around -4.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with occasional cloud. Light and variable winds. Freezing level at sea level. Treeline temperatures around -7.THURSDAY: Sunny with clouds in the afternoon. Light westerly winds 10-15 Km/hr. Freezing level at sea level. Treeline temperatures around -6.

Avalanche Summary

Only minor loose wet Size 1 natural avalanches were observed yesterday in the North Shore mountains.

Snowpack Summary

The North Shore mountains received 10cm of new snow which came in wet and heavy, bonding well to 15 cm of settling snow from Friday's storm. New snow amounts closer to Squamish were almost double (15-20cm). Watch out for small wind slabs on north-facing slopes in the lee of exposed features. Friday's snow buried a variable interface composed of faceted (sugary) snow and old hard wind slabs (especially at higher elevations). Recent reports suggest the snow has bonded fairly well to this interface. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Watch for pockets of slabs, especially in lee (wind loaded) areas at higher elevations.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2017 2:00PM