Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2016 7:31AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

If you are out in the mountains, please consider submitting your observations to our MIN (Mountain Information Network).

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure is building over most of the province. Colder modified arctic air is expected to descend from the north. Alpine lows should be around -15 and highs around -10 combined with light northerly winds. Expect broken skies with periods of light flurries on Friday. Very little precipitation should be left by Saturday and Sunday.

Avalanche Summary

Natural cornice avalanches and natural and skier controlled wind slab avalanches up to size 1.0 have been reported. Most of these have been on northerly aspects in the lee of local winds. Winds have been generally easterly, but some areas have had locally more southerly winds due to terrain.

Snowpack Summary

10-25 cm of new snow is now sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. Easterly winds have transported the new snow and some of the loose snow available into wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow is reported to be loose and unconsolidated except where the wind slabs exist. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs may be found on several aspects as the wind direction changes and becomes more northerly.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Fresh cornice growth may be fragile and fall off naturally or be easily triggered.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2016 2:00PM