Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2019 4:59PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

As the storm eases off and temperatures drop, the snowpack is beginning to gain some strength. However, storm slabs are still likely to be encountered at upper elevations and could be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest winds, 20-30 km/h / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 500 mMONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / west winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 500 m TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / southeast winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 400 mWEDNESDAY - Rain, up to 25 mm / southeast winds, 25-60 km/h / alpine high temperature near +3 / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the South Coast region.Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow likely sits on a melt freeze crust at the treeline and the upper reaches of the below treeline elevation band. At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 100 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began mid last week. At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 50 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are likely to be most reactive in wind loaded areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Recent snow and strong to extreme winds have promoted cornice growth.

Be aware of the potential for cornices failures to trigger slab avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2019 2:00PM