Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2017 5:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mgrist, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

A variable rain crust is helping to keep wind slabs in check at lower elevations, but they may remain touchy in the alpine - especially if the sun hits them.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

We're beginning a warming trend with no snow and some sunshine through the weekend. On Monday the floodgates open... stay tuned for more details. SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow. Winds light to moderate from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1700m and alpine high temperatures to +3 Celcius! SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and no new snow.  Winds light westerly. Alpine temperatures near 0 ; freezing level 1100m, rising sharply at the end of the day. MONDAY: Mix of snow and rain, starting near noon. Winds light gusting to moderate from the southwest. Freezing level 2200m and alpine temperatures to +1 Celcius.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed.

Snowpack Summary

The mountains of the South Coast region received 15-20cm of snow over Sunday and Monday. The southwest flow of the storm, followed by strong northeast winds on Tuesday resulted in pockets of wind slab being formed on all exposed aspects at higher elevations. A thick crust can be found 5-10cm below the surface at treeline and below, and has limited the wind redistribution at lower elevations. The new wind slabs have already gained considerable strength but could remain reactive on steeper unsupported terrain at higher elevations where this crust does not exist. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slab are lingering near exposed terrain features on a range of aspects at upper elevations. Avoid steep, unsupported terrain at higher elevations where slabs are more likely to stay reactive.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2017 2:00PM

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