Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2018 3:38PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Continued warm temperatures will make the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches on steep terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloud building through the day. Rain starting in the evening. Freezing level 2600m. Moderate southeasterly winds.Tuesday: up to 20mm rain, turning to snow right near mountaintop on the North Shore mountains and at elevations above 1500m near Squamish. Strong southeasterly winds.Wednesday: Snow above 1000m with amounts of around 15cm. Strong southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

While temperatures remain high, loose wet avalanches are the most likely, as well as the potential for slab avalanches on steep slopes above 1500 m near Squamish.

Snowpack Summary

Very warm temperatures are making the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches. Previously, rain soaked into the snow at elevations below 1300 m. Only the peaks of the North Shore mountains and higher terrain near Squamish escaped this rain. At these upper elevations, the recent storm slab may remain reactive, particularly to warming-triggered avalanches, as there is a possibility that cold snow became trapped below the more recent dense slab. About 60cm below the surface you'll find a thick melt-freeze crust that formed as a result of heavy rain about a week ago. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Very warm temperatures will release loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Slopes that are affected by the sun are more likely to produce avalanches that gain mass.
Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2018 2:00PM