Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 23rd, 2014–Jan 24th, 2014

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Friday and Saturday: Mostly sunny with the possibility of valley fog in the morning. Light winds. Freezing level reaching 3500m with alpine temperatures close to +10 C, but a weak temperature inversion may make it cooler in valley bottoms. Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Light winds. Freezing level reaching 2500m.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanches have been reported for several days. Small loose wet avalanches are likely, especially on sun-exposed slopes in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

The surface snow is likely undergoing a melt-freeze cycle on all but high elevation shady aspects, while the entire snowpack may even be trending isothermal at lower elevations. On shady aspects expect to find faceted powder; however, in exposed areas winds have scoured windward slopes, left deep drifts on lee aspects, and and sculpted sastrugi. The record low snowpack is generally well settled and strong; however, a facet/crust combo from late November down approximately 100-120 cm at treeline and alpine elevations continues to give sudden results in snowpack tests. Facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remain a concern on slopes with a shallow and variable snowpack in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin areas.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Generally small, slow, and often limited to extreme cliffy terrain; however, these dense avalanches can easily knock you off your feet and take you for a ride.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Particularly a concern on shallow rocky southern aspects with heavy triggers. Warm temperature and sun-exposure are expected to increase the likelihood of triggering these facets deep in the snowpack. Cornice falls could also act as natural triggers.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6