Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2018 5:55PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Recently formed storm slabs may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in wind effected areas at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries / Light southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 500m.SATURDAY: 10-15 cm of new snow / Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1000m.SUNDAY: 30-50 cm of new snow / Strong to extreme southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rapidly rising to around 1800m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recently formed storm slabs may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in wind effected areas at treeline and above.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and time of day.The new snow will need time to settle and stabilize.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2

Cornices

Large amounts of recent new snow and high winds are creating rapid cornice growth.

Falling cornices may trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2018 2:00PM