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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2024–Jan 9th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations where +30 cm of storm snow and extreme winds are building reactive storm slabs.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the region on Sunday.

On Saturday, riders found reactive slabs to size 1 and loose snow sluffing in steep terrain.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

By Tuesday morning +30 cm of storm snow blankets the south coast peaks. This overlies 50-80 cm of recent snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Extreme southwest winds may have redistributed loose snow to lee features forming touchy slabs.

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

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with flurries, 30 to 35 cm of snow. Southwest ridgetop winds 60 to 100 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries, 10 to 25 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 50 to 70 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace amounts of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 2 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 30 cm of new snow.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

+30 cm of snow and extreme ridgetop winds have built fresh, sensitive storm slabs at higher elevations. At lower elevations, fresh snow may now provide enough coverage to reach the threshold for avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5