Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2018–Jan 10th, 2018

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Recent snow may be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light winds. Flurries. Alpine temperature near -12.THURSDAY: Cloudy with moderate to strong south-westerly winds. 5-15 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -15.FRIDAY: Cloudy with moderate to strong south-westerly winds. 10-40 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -15.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, skiers near Shames reported sluffs were running a long way and picking up mass. A skier triggered a size 2 wind slab on Sunday on a NW aspect at about 1400 m near Terrace.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs may be found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack consists of several layers of interest, including a breakable temperature /rain crust, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 50 cm down.Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow may be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2