Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2018 4:07PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Heavy storm loading throughout the week will keep the avalanche danger at HIGH.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: 15-25cm of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at 700mTuesday: 20-40cm of new snow / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 750mWednesday: 40-60cm of new snow / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 1200m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, but that may speak more to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. I'm sure there was an impressive round of storm slab activity on Sunday, especially at higher elevations where the snow was colder and winds were stronger. With more snow and wind on the way, that trend should continue throughout the week.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1000m about 80 cm of new snow has fallen with over 100cm of new snow at higher elevations. Strong to extreme winds have redistributed the new snow into deep and dense storm slabs. This storm snow now covers a crust that was buried on January 17th. Below this crust the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow and strong winds have formed deep storm slabs. These slabs may be very reactive to skier triggering, particularly in steeper terrain and wind-loaded areas.

The new snow will need time to settle and stabilize.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2018 2:00PM