South Coast Avalanche Forecast — Jan 9, 2017

Highlights

Avalanche danger will increase with the incoming storm on Sunday night.

Avalanche problems

Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible - Likely
Size
1–3
Storm slabs will be touchy during the storm, especially in lee (wind loaded) areas at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Snow starting in the late afternoon, moderate to strong southeast winds, freezing level dropping to 600 m. MONDAY: 20 cms of new snow by the morning, with an additional 20cms forecast by the end of the day. Moderate southwest winds, freezing level around 600 m. TUESDAY: Sunny with light northeast winds. Freezing level dropping to sea level. Treeline temperatures around -3. WEDESDAY: Sunny with light northerly winds. Freezing level at sea level. Treeline temperatures around -5.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow (up to 40cms in 24 hours) is expected to arrive starting late Sunday afternoon and will bury the 15 cm of settling snow from Friday's storm. Sustained southerly winds are building small wind slabs on north-facing slopes in the lee of exposed features. Friday's snow buried a variable interface composed of faceted (sugary) snow and old hard wind slabs (especially at higher elevations). Recent reports suggest the snow has bonded fairly well to this interface; however, it remains a concern as a sliding layer during the next storm. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.

Avalanche danger