Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2014 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2014 2:00PM