Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2020 5:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

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

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing 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

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2020 5:00PM