Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2016 8:39AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

New wind slabs may exist in leeward terrain features around ridge crests. Continually assess local conditions as you travel and use extra caution as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions are expected on Wednesday morning as the current storm system exits the region. Light flurries may linger through the morning with sunny breaks possible in the afternoon. Freezing levels are forecast to reach 1200-1500m and alpine winds are expected to be moderate from the south easing to light from the north by the afternoon. High pressure should be the dominant feature for Thursday and Friday. Dry and sunny conditions are expected both days with freezing levels below 1000m and light alpine winds from the north.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which includes a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, stubborn wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Moderate southerly winds hare redistributed these new accumulations into soft wind slabs in high-elevation lee terrain. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent southerly winds have created soft new wind slabs in leeward terrain features.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2016 2:00PM