Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2015 7:52AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Be alert to how the snowpack changes with elevation and exposure to the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Expect light snowfall until late Saturday, when the next organised storm system brings 10-15 cm snow with moderate to strong SW winds. The freezing level is expected to peak at around 1600m during this storm. Snow and wind should both gradually ease through Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow is likely to be shifted by strong winds into slabs over a hard crust or surface hoar. These may be easy to trigger with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Deeper snowpack weaknesses are still on our radar, but seem to be dormant for the time being.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs on lee slopes behind ridge tops. Cornices; or fat, smooth or bulging-looking slopes are giveaways that wind slabs may be lurking.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2015 2:00PM