Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2015–Jan 12th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Forecast flurries for the next few days could produce wind slabs at treeline and above.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect light flurries in the southern portion of the forecast region on Monday and possibly Tuesday, then a brief drying-out on Wednesday before the next pulse of Pacific moisture arrives on Thursday bringing flurries and a possible 5 to 10 cm of snow at higher elevations.Freezing levels around 600m throughout out the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but reports of solar warming have some areas talking about decreasing stability in the afternoon on step solar aspects, with size 1.5 avalanches possible.

Snowpack Summary

A thick supportive surface crust has capped the snowpack in most, if not all parts of the forecast region. Below the crust is the most recent storm snow which is around 50-70cm deep and sits on a previously variable snow surface that included wind affected surfaces, a freezing rain crust or sun crust, and/or surface hoar or sugary facets in sheltered terrain. In the middle of the snowpack there exists a mid-December surface hoar or crust/facet weak layers. These are now typically buried 1m or more. The old surface hoar layer may be found in sheltered shady areas at and below treeline, while the slightly deeper crust/facet layer is expected to be more widespread and variable.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A thick crust has capped the snowpack in most areas, but wind slabs and surface hoar may still exist on northerly and shaded areas at treeline and above.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>Be aware of thin areas where human-triggering may be possible and may propagate to deeper instabilities.>Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 5