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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2024–Jan 8th, 2024
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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
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

Get ready for another winter storm. Avalanche hazard will rise as snow accumulates.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 2.5-3 was reported around Sky Pilot and deeper into the Coast mountain. Riders found reactive slabs to size 1 and loose snow sluffing in steep terrain. All avalanches were reported to have failed on the crust below the storm snow.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Another system of heavy snowfall and wind is forecast to begin Monday.

50-80 cm of recent snow covers a crust and well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Strong southwest wind may have redistributed loose snow to lee features. This recent weather has brought winter to the North Shore Mountains, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Light and variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Monday

Flurries, up to 25 cm by 4 pm. Southwest ridgetop gusting to strong. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday

Heavy snow, 50 cm in 24 hrs. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level spiking around 1300 m.

Wednesday

Isolated flurries, 5 cm. Moderate and decreasing northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 25cm of new snow.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Another storm begins Monday. Storm slab size and sensitivity will build with accumulating snowfall. At lower elevations, fresh snow may now provide enough coverage to reach the threshold for avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2