Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2016 8:15AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Mild alpine temperatures and clear skies will result in low avalanche danger at all elevations this weekend.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Clear skies with warm air in the alpine on Saturday. Inversion continuing on Sunday, but not as strong as Saturday. Cloud and southeast wind building Sunday evening. 3-5 cm of new snow by Monday morning with the freezing level at valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Some isolated skier controlled soft wind slabs released from immediate lee features in the north of the region. No new avalanches reported from the south of the region.

Snowpack Summary

The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain, and new melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs may be lingering in the alpine, or continue to form from variable winds.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Solar radiation and warm air at higher elevations may continue to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Be alert to conditions that change with aspect, elevation and time of day.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2016 2:00PM