Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2019 4:30PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Avalanche hazard is generally decreasing. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the reactivity of a buried weak layer that has been most prevalent on shady aspects, at treeline elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light, northwesterly winds / Low 1 C / Freezing level 1000 m with possible inversion.WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy / Light, northwesterly winds / High 2 C / Freezing level 900 m with possible inversion.THURSDAY: Cloudy / Moderate, southwesterly winds / High 0 C / Freezing level 900 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 5-10 cm / Strong, southwesterly winds / High -3 C / Freezing level 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind affected snow in the alpine. Small wind slabs may exist in lee terrain features formed by recent west winds.Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits above a weak layer of surface hoar. This layer is likely best preserved in shaded and sheltered areas between 1700 m and 2000 m. Use added caution in exposed terrain due to recent west winds.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices, which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

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

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2019 2:00PM