Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2019 4:09PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Continue to observe for signs of the lingering weak layer buried in our snowpack and affected snow from recent wind transportation.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, freezing level below valley bottom.MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature 1 C, above freezing layer possible, with inversion conditions.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature 0 C, above freezing layer possible, with inversion conditions.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were observed on steep southerly terrain features on Saturday and Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind affected snow in the alpine. Wind deposits may exist in lee terrain features due to recent west winds.Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits above a weak layer of surface hoar. This layer is likely best preserved in shaded and sheltered areas between 1700 m and 2000 m. Use added caution in exposed terrain due to recent west winds.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices, which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2019 2:00PM