Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2018 4:28PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Natural avalanche cycle expected at treeline and above. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: 20-30 cm of new snow / Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1200m.SUNDAY: 40-60 mm of rain / Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rapidly rising to around 1800m.MONDAY: 40-60 mm of rain / Strong to extreme southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 1800m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region on Thursday. However, a natural avalanche cycle is expected to begin Saturday with the incoming storm.

Snowpack Summary

25-35cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow, strong winds, and rising temperatures will create fresh storm slabs reactive human triggers

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.The new snow will need time to settle and stabilize.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and time of day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large amounts of recent new snow and high winds are creating rapid cornice growth.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices may trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2018 2:00PM