Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2018 3:39PM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Natural avalanche activity can be expected if the sun makes an appearance on Saturday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Overcast with possible sunny breaks in the afternoon / Light and variable winds / Freezing level rising to 2300mSunday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 2900mMonday: 10-15mm of precipitation / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 2300m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was reported on Wednesday or Thursday. Looking forward, expect a new round of storm slab activity in response to new snow and strong winds on Friday night. If forecast warming and solar radiation arrive early, loose wet avalanches can also be expected.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southeast winds and snowfall on Friday are expected to form new storm slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about 15-50 cm of relatively low-density snow which overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still on the radar of professionals in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on shady aspects at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New snow and wind on Friday is expected to form new storm slabs and increase the avalanche danger. Watch for increased reactivity in exposed lee terrain. If the sun makes an appearance on Saturday, loose wet avalanches can also be expected.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes if solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2018 2:00PM