Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 14th, 2019–Jan 15th, 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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Snow is likely to release on steep slopes that catch the sun.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Dry with some clear spells.TUESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. An above freezing level layer from 1500m to 2200m is expected to give warm alpine temperatures. Light southeasterly winds.WEDNESDAY: Dry and sunny. Cooling, with alpine temperatures around -4C. Calm winds. THURSDAY: Dry and sunny. Alpine temperatures around -8C. Light southeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Storm slab avalanches up to size 3 continued to be reported into Sunday due to the warm and wet storm that has affected this region. Storm and wind slabs will likely remain touchy for a little while.An avalanche incident was reported in the Shames backcountry area last Thursday. The incident involved two skier triggered avalanches occurring in succession with two people involved and partially buried. The details can be found on the Mountain Information Network. (here)

Snowpack Summary

Precipitation has eased since last week's warm and wet storm (up to 100 mm precipitation fell between Wednesday and Sunday, with rain as high as 1500 m). Recent new snow is likely to have blown into wind slab deposits at higher elevations. Storm slabs remain a concern on many steep slopes.In some sheltered areas the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will remain a problem, particularly on slopes that see warm temperatures and sun.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5