Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 26th, 2020–Jan 27th, 2020

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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.

Avalanche hazard will increase in areas where fresh snow accumulates and wind redistributes loose snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY Night: Snow and rain, 10-15 cm. Alpine low temperature -1 C. South wind 30-55 km/hr. Freezing level 1000 m.

MONDAY: Snow, 5-15 cm. Alpine high temperature +1 C. Southeast wind 20-45 km/hr. Freezing level 1400 m.

TUESDAY: Wet flurries, 10-15 cm. Alpine high temperature +1 C. South wind 25 gusting to 60 km/hr. Freezing level 1300 m.

WEDNESDAY: Snow and rain, 30-35 cm. Alpine high temperature +1 C. South wind 30-40 km/hr. Freezing level 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, small pockets of loose wet snow were reactive to skiers.

Snowpack Summary

Rain has reached the top of the North Shore Mountains with wet snow falling above 1400 m. A surface crust has formed with cooler overnight temperatures. Dry snow may persist at the highest elevations, and has been heavily impacted by wind. The snowpack is strong and settled from earlier rain, and now 200-300 cm deep around the peaks of the North Shore mountains.

Terrain and Travel

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build at higher elevations where snowfall accumulates.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rain and warm temperatures will encourage wet-loose avalanches in steep terrain at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2