Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2019 4:10PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

We should be getting a good wallop of snow within all elevation bands on Tuesday. This snow may not bond well to an underlying crust. Use a conservative approach with route selection and continually make observations during your travels.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy skies, freezing level 700 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, moderate southwest winds, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 700 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with early-morning snowfall switching to rain at lower elevations and then afternoon clearing, accumulation 30 to 40 cm, moderate southwest winds, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 1700 m during the storm.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate northwest winds, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 2500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were noted in the region. A few observations from the previous avalanche cycle from last Wednesday to Friday are found here and here.

Snowpack Summary

A surface crust is found at all elevation bands in the region. New snow on Tuesday will fall on this crust and may not bond well to it.The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecasts suggest that a substantial amount of snow should fall on Tuesday. This new snow may not bond well to a hard crust that it will fall on. Travel cautiously and look for signs of instability before entering into avalanche terrain.

Use caution in lee and cross-loaded areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Observe for bonding of the new snow before committing to avalanche terrain.Use caution in gullies and above cliffs, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2019 2:00PM