Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2017–Jan 9th, 2017

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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.

Avalanche danger will increase with the incoming storm on Sunday night.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Snow starting in the late afternoon, moderate to strong southeast winds, freezing level dropping to 600 m. MONDAY: 20 cms of new snow by the morning, with an additional 20cms forecast by the end of the day. Moderate southwest winds, freezing level around 600 m. TUESDAY: Sunny with light northeast winds. Freezing level dropping to sea level. Treeline temperatures around -3. WEDESDAY: Sunny with light northerly winds. Freezing level at sea level. Treeline temperatures around -5.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow (up to 40cms in 24 hours) is expected to arrive starting late Sunday afternoon and will bury the 15 cm of settling snow from Friday's storm. Sustained southerly winds are building small wind slabs on north-facing slopes in the lee of exposed features. Friday's snow buried a variable interface composed of faceted (sugary) snow and old hard wind slabs (especially at higher elevations). Recent reports suggest the snow has bonded fairly well to this interface; however, it remains a concern as a sliding layer during the next storm. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will be touchy during the storm, especially in lee (wind loaded) areas at higher elevations.

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3