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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 29th, 2020–Jan 30th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Storm slabs will likely remain sensitive to human triggering at upper elevations Thursday. Watch for deep pockets of wind loaded snow in alpine lees.

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: Clear skies Light to moderate west to southwest winds. Freezing level 1100 m.

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud, flurries starting in the afternoon bringing around 5 cm new snow, light rain below 1000 m. Southwest winds building to strong. Freezing level 1000-1500 m.

Friday: 80-100 mm of rain to ridgetop . Extreme southwest winds. Freezing level 2500 m.

Saturday: 60-100 mm water equivalent in precipitation overnight, mostly falling as rain to ridgetop, turning to snow in the early morning above 500 m. Moderate northwest wind. Freezing level 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations since Saturday when small pockets of loose wet snow (less than size 1) were reactive to skier traffic. 

Snowpack Summary

30-40 cm of new snow above 1100 m. Drier snow at upper elevations has been redistributed by strong southwest wind. A rain crust up to 1400 m sits 30-60 cm below the surface, elevation dependent. The snowpack is strong and settled from earlier rain, and now 200-300 cm deep around the peaks of the north shore mountains. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will form above 1000 m where snowfall accumulates, 35-45 cm expected through the day. Dry snow at upper elevations will be redistributed by strong southwest wind, forming deep wind-loaded pockets in lee features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2