Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2014 8:53AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with scattered showers possible for immediate coastal areas, otherwise dry. Freezing levels nearing 2000m (cooler in the north) with moderate westerly wind. Friday and Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds and freezing levels over 3000 m in the southern part of the region. Temperature at 2000m could reach as high as +10 C, but valley bottoms and northern areas should be slightly cooler.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated small pockets of thin wind slab continue to be reactive to ski cutting. A few glide cracks have also released.

Snowpack Summary

Over 20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed onto leeward slopes in exposed areas. Under this storm snow. a crust has been reported up to treeline elevations. Well preserved surface hoar may be found buried in the upper snowpack on sheltered treeline slopes and below, and has been most active in the northern parts of the region between 900m and 1400m elevation. A well settled mid and lower snowpack may rest on basal facets, especially in thin snowpack areas at higher elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Although becoming stubborn, fresh wind slabs continue to be reactive to human triggers.

The recently formed wind slabs will need a couple days to settle out.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Start on small terrain and slope-cut the top of slopes before riding them.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Two weaknesses have the potential to surprise folks: Surface Hoar one meter below the surface and very weak basal facets near the ground. Vigilant slope by slope evaluation and/or a modest terrain approach are appropriate at this time.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin, rocky or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2014 2:00PM