Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 7 – 8, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Carefully assess the bond between wind slabs and the underlying crust before committing to terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind this week has generally been southerly but there was also a period of strong northerly wind in the region Thursday night. Watch for wind slab on all aspects.

    Wind slabs may not bond well to the underlying crust making them more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. We suspect at the peak of the rain event Thursday night a natural avalanche cycle would have occurred at treeline on all aspects.

Please continue to post your observations and photos to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

As the freezing level falls a new crust will form on all aspects at treeline. Below treeline the snow surface will likely still be moist and saturated. At the higher elevation terrain wind slab could have formed on all aspects.

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10cm of new snow expected. Strong southeast winds and freezing level around 1400m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10cm of new snow expected. Southeast winds decreasing to light by late afternoon. Freezing level around 1300m.

Sunday

Stormy with 10 to 20cm of new snow expected at higher elevations, rain at treeline and below. Moderate southeast winds and freezing levels rising to 1800m.

Monday

Stormy with up to 20mm of rain, snow only at the highest elevation terrain. Moderate to strong southeast winds. Freezing levels rising to 1900m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Regions covered