Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 2nd, 2014–Jan 3rd, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, moderate NW winds and freezing levels dropping to 800m. Saturday: Mostly sunny and dry with light NW alpine winds and freezing levels around 800m. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud but dry with freezing levels rising as high as 2500m.

Avalanche Summary

A recent report includes observation of a Size 2 storm slab that ran naturally in the past couple of days on a northeast facing alpine slope. Other reports include cracking and whumpfing associated with basal facets on south aspects.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is expected to be poorly bonded, especially where it is sitting on a thin ice crust. The snowpack depth and structure is highly variable but generally shallow and faceted, which is unusual for the south coast. Recent warm temperatures have promoted strengthening, but weaknesses under the past week's storm snow remain a concern, particularly on wind-loaded slopes. A crust/facet combo buried near the end of November remains the upper/mid snowpack feature to watch. Basal depth hoar in shallow snowpack areas also remain a concern, particularly on south aspects.Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain open and poorly bridged crevasses are everywhere.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh touchy wind slabs may be lurking below ridge crests and behind terrain features.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Use caution around freshly wind loaded features.>Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run. >On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3