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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 10th, 2024–Jan 11th, 2024
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.

Northerly winds may form wind slabs in atypical areas and at lower elevations than you might expect.

Cold exposure is a major concern for backcountry travelers (read more in this blog).

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, storm snow was reactive to skier traffic. See these MINs from Mystery Peak and Mt Strachan.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight on Monday in the North Shore Mountains. Storm slabs were failing 30 cm deep on all aspects up to size 2.

Looking forward to Thursday, winds will shift around to the northwest as arctic air invades the region. Fresh, reactive wind slabs may form in a reverse-loading pattern and at lower elevations than is typical.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 60 cm of recent storm snow was accompanied by strong westerly winds. In the North Shore Mountains, a crust exists down 5 cm from a rain event near the end of the storm. This overlies 50-80 cm of snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack.

The last few storms have brought winter to the North Shore Mountains, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mainly clear with cloudy periods and no new snow. Northerly outflow winds 50 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -10 C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Northerly winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -17 C.

Friday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -22 C.

Saturday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -15 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have shifted to the north and may be redistributing the recent storm snow into fresh, reactive slabs in a reverse-loading pattern and at lower elevations than is typical.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5