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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 18th, 2012–Jan 19th, 2012
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday: should stay cold and dry, although some areas may experience inversion conditions with warmer temps higher up. Winds will increase slightly but should stay in the moderate range, and will shift back around to the west. Friday: a storm is approaching, which will gradually increase in intensity through the day. Anticipated amounts are around 5-10 cm new snow with temperatures around -10C. Winds will shift round to the SW. Friday night will see higher snowfall amounts, in the region of 15-20 cm. On Saturday, a further 5-10 cm new snow is anticipated, with freezing levels rising to around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Many natural loose snow avalanches were noted on Tuesday in the Coquihalla. Small soft slabs could be skier-triggered on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

30-80 cm very low density snow has accumulated over the last few days. The Coquihalla and areas around Hope have seen the highest amounts. Winds recently picked up into moderate range from the southwest - just enough to create some soft slabs on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs in exposed areas at higher elevations. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in thin rocky areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds have started to redistribute the low density snow into soft slabs on lee features in exposed terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Dry

Loose, dry new snow can sluff easily in steep ground. It could trip you up or push you into a terrain trap.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2