Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2014 9:01AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mSaturday: Flurries intensifying to heavy snowfall overnight / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mSunday: Heavy snowfall / Moderate to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control in the far north of the region produced a few size 2.5 wind slab avalanches which likely failed on depth hoar. No other avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack seems shallower and more faceted in the northern part of the region, and deeper with more wind slab problems in the south. Professionals in the area note there is much more snowcover variability this year compared to most years.Around the Skeena corridor light to locally moderate amounts of new snow now overlie a variety of old surfaces which include surface hoar in sheltered locations, and wind-affected snow at upper elevations. Wind data suggests the new snow has most likely been pushed into healthy wind slabs in exposed areas. Depending on your location, you may find a facet/crust combo or surface hoar about 60cm below the surface. Reports suggest these layers are gaining strength; however, they may be worth keeping an eye on with forecast storm loading over the next few days. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack are mostly thought to be strong and well bonded in this area.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast light to moderate accumulations will add to a developing storm slab. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-affected terrain, or in areas where buried surface hoar exists.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of buried facets near the ground continues to be a concern in the north of the region. Try to get local knowledge if you are traveling to new areas.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2014 2:00PM