Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2019 4:38PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Avalanche hazard is generally decreasing. However, uncertainty still exists regarding the reactivity of a buried weak layer that has been most prevalent on shady aspects, at treeline elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Few clouds / Light, northwesterly winds / Low -1 C / Freezing level valley bottom.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwesterly winds / High 2 C / Freezing level 1000 m. with inversion conditions possible.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High 2 C / Freezing level 1000 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy / Moderate, westerly winds / High 0 C / Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on 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. Small wind slabs may exist in lee terrain features formed by 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 and strong in most locations.

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.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Sunny skies and a possible temperature inversion may trigger loose wet avalanches on steep, solar aspects.

Watch for signs that the snow is warming, such as pin-wheeling and small point-release avalanches.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid large slopes that are in the sunshine during the heat of the day.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2019 2:00PM