Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2017 4:11PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Watch for wind slabs on southerly aspects

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Dry and sunny. Wind northeasterly 20-50 km/h. Temperature around -6C.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Wind easterly 20-50 km/h. Temperature around -1C.THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Wind light west. Temperature around -1C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Right now, the most important part of the snowpack analysis is figuring out how the wind is redistributing snow into wind slabs. New wind slabs are most likely to be found on south to east aspects behind exposed terrain features, and could be touchy, especially on steep unsupported terrain. The previous metre or so of storm snow has bonded well to the underlying snow. A thin freezing rain crust buried under 10 cm of new snow was reported from the North Shore mountains, but I suspect the only impact this will have will be on skiing quality. Wind slabs aside, the snowpack is otherwise considered to be well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are forming on mainly south to west aspects behind exposed terrain features. Slabs found on south aspect slopes could become more unstable when the sun is out.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2017 2:00PM