Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Jan 11 – 12, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    A weak layer of buried facets near the ground continues to be a concern in the north of the region. Watch for increased triggering in unsupported terrain with a variable or shallow snowpack.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Moderate snowfall and forecast strong winds will add to a developing storm slab. In sheltered locations this may sit above a layer of surface hoar. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-exposed terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall, rain in some areas / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level rising through the day to 1000mMonday: Moderate snowfall / Strong west winds / Freezing level at 100mmTuesday: Heavy snow and rain / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing levels rising to 2000m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche have been reported

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack seems shallower and more faceted in the northern part of the region, and deeper with more wind slab problems in the south. Professionals in the area note there is much more snow cover variability this year compared to most years.Around the Skeena corridor 30-50cm of recently fallen snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include surface hoar in sheltered locations, and wind-affected snow at upper elevations. Depending on your location, you may find a facet/crust combo or surface hoar about 60cm below the surface. Report suggest these layers are gaining strength; however, they may be worth keeping an eye on as the snow load above them increases. Below this the mid and lower snowpack layers area are reported to be strong and well bonded in most of the region however basal weaknesses

Regions covered