Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Natural avalanche cycle expected on Sunday. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: 40-60 mm of rain (snow above roughly 1500m) / Strong to extreme southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rapidly rising to around 1800m.MONDAY: 60-80 mm of rain (snow above roughly 1500m) / Strong to extreme southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 1800m.TUESDAY: 10-15 cm of new snow / Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level dropping to around 800m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region on Friday. However, a natural avalanche cycle is expected to begin Saturday with the incoming storm.

Snowpack Summary

15-25cm of new snow is being redistributed by strong southwesterly ridgetop winds creating fresh storm slabs reactive to human triggers. Below the most recent storm snow there is a crust at treeline and below. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow, strong winds, and rising temperatures will create fresh storm slabs reactive human triggers

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and time of day.The new snow will need time to settle and stabilize.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large amounts of recent new snow and high winds are creating rapid cornice growth.

Falling cornices may trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2018 2:00PM