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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 13th, 2017–Jan 14th, 2017
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
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: 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.

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.

Avalanche Problems

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