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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2024–Jan 12th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.

Watch for wind slabs in unusual areas from strong north winds.

Read about managing extreme cold in the backcountry here.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

With north winds transporting snow, reactive wind slabs may now exist on slopes in reverse loading patterns.

On Wednesday, size 1 slab avalanches were reported on south facing treeline slopes.

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred on Monday in the North Shore Mountains. Storm slabs were failing 30 cm deep on all aspects up to size 2. Storm slabs were also reactive to skier traffic. See these MINs from Mystery Peak and Mt Strachan for the details.

Snowpack Summary

Outflow (northerly) winds may continue transporting 40 to 60 cm of recent snow. This means you may find reactive wind slabs in atypical areas and at lower elevations.

In the North Shore Mountains, up to 1300 m, a crust exists down 5 cm from a rain event near the end of the storm.

This overlies 50-80 cm of snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack.

The last few storms have brought winter to the North Shore Mountains, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear with a trace of new snow. Northerly winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -20°C.

Friday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures -18°C.

Saturday

Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 10 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperatures -15 °C.

Sunday

Increasing clouds with no new snow. Northerly winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect fresh wind slabs to be forming from north winds. Watch for reverse-loading patterns.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2