Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2016–Jan 1st, 2017

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Relatively light amounts of new snow may form wind slabs behind exposed features. These could become touchy if they are kissed by the sun on south aspect slopes.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Clearing following some light snow overnight. Winds northeasterly 10-15 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -6C.MONDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 15-25 km/h. Temperatures around -10C.TUESDAY: Dry and sunny. Winds northeasterly 15-25 km/h. Temperatures around -12C.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches were reported from this region on Thursday during the most recent storm, but activity has subsided since then. Avalanche danger will briefly increase with the next small pulse of snow and wind but will improve rapidly again with the cold, stable weather expected to follow.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts from the storm Saturday night add to previous storm totals of around 100 cm in the North Shore mountains. The storm snow is reported to have bonded well with the underlying snow, and is now generally stable, although wind slabs on steep slopes in exposed areas remain a concern. A crust that formed a week ago is likely down over 1 m, but recent avalanches were not reported to have run on the crust layer. Below this crust, the snowpack is generally considered well settled and stable.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs remain from recent loading by new snow and wind on exposed lee slopes. Watch for "reverse loading" on less commonly loaded south aspect slopes. Denser slabs found on south aspect slopes could be made more unstable by the sun.

Recent winds have changed direction. Watch for wind slabs on all aspects.Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into big terrain.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2