Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2016–Jan 1st, 2017

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

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: South Coast Inland.

Relatively light amounts of new snow may form wind slabs behind exposed features. These could become touchy if they are kissed by the sun on south aspect slopes.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Becoming dry with some sun and cloud, following some light snow overnight. Winds northeasterly around 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -8C.MONDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 15-25 km/h. Temperatures around -16C.TUESDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 15-25 km/h. Temperatures around -18C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported from this region on Friday. On Thursday, an avalanche cycle occurred up to size 2.5, typically running in steep gullies and wind loaded areas. Avalanches will become harder to trigger as the cold sets in.

Snowpack Summary

In total, between 60 and 90 cm new snow fell last week. The new snow is reported to be generally bonding well. Below the new snow lies the Boxing Day interface which, when buried, consisted of wind affected surfaces, faceted (sugary) snow, or surface hoar. The surface hoar has been observed up to 5 mm in size in the Duffey Lake area. A thin crust may also exist in the upper snowpack and was reported around Coquihalla area last weekend. Recent strong winds have been from a variety of directions and have been loading leeward and cross loaded features in wind exposed terrain. The mid-December interface is now down over 1 m and is generally considered to be stable in the region.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs remain from recent loading by new snow and wind on exposed lee slopes. Watch for "reverse loading" on less commonly loaded south aspect slopes. Denser slabs found on south aspect slopes could be made more unstable by the sun.

Recent winds have changed direction. Watch for wind slabs on all aspects.Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into big terrain.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2