Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2014 8:22AM

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 on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Moderate snowfall overnight Wednesday should ease to light accumulations on Thursday / Strong Southwest winds / Freezing level at 600mFriday: Heavy snowfall starting Thursday night should continue through Friday / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mSaturday: Flurries / Moderate northwest winds / Freezing level at valley bottom

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report.

Snowpack Summary

In general the snowpack seems shallower and more faceted in the northern part of the region, and deeper with more wind slab problems in the south. At 1300m on an east aspect in the Shames area the height of snow is about 190cm. Light 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. Depending on your location, you may find a facet/crust combo or surface hoar about 50cm 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. Deeper early December facetted crystals were also found to be rounding and gaining strength in this area.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Moderate accumulations on Wednesday evening will add to a developing storm slab. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-affected terrain, or in areas where buried surface hoar exists.

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

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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2014 2:00PM