Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2013 9:39AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Light NW wind. Alpine temperature near -7. Light snow.Sunday: Moderate SW wind. Alpine temperature near -8. Light snow.Monday: Light NW wind. . Alpine temperature near -11. Light snow is possible.

Avalanche Summary

Size 1 loose dry avalanches were observed on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 cm snow overlies a medley of surfaces including hard old wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. Winds have created soft slabs in the lee of terrain features in some areas. A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.

Problems

Storm Slabs

In areas affected by wind, wind slabs are likely to be encountered. Be alert for loose dry avalanches in other areas.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2013 2:00PM