Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 3rd, 2019 4:55PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
Rain and snow will add load and stress the snowpack. Give the snowpack time to stabilize.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Heavy rain, 35-40 mm. Strong southwest wind with extreme gusts. Freezing level 2000 m..FRIDAY: Snow and rain mix, 15-25 cm snow. Moderate southwest wind with strong to extreme gusts. Freezing level dropping to 1400 m through the day.SATURDAY: Wet flurries, 10-15 cm snow. Moderate southeast wind gusting to strong. Freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Flurries, 10 cm snow. South wind light gusting to strong. Freezing level 700 m.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches have been reported in the region. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.
Snowpack Summary
Fresh snow overnight Wednesday turned to a snow/rain mix on Thursday accompanied with strong winds and high freezing levels. More precipitation is expected overnight Thursday as freezing levels drop. The fluctuation freezing level makes it hard to predict the rain/snow mix and how the new storm snow is bonding to the old surface. Under the new new snow is a widespread crust that extends at least to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there could be a weak layer of feathery surface hoar roughly 50 cm below the new snow. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well-settled.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The combination of intense snowfall, heavy rain, and extreme wind will cause large and widespread storm slab avalanches.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features and overhead hazards like cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 4th, 2019 2:00PM
