Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 22, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy storm loading throughout the week will keep the avalanche danger at HIGH.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    Recent storm snow and strong winds have formed deep storm slabs. These slabs may be very reactive to skier triggering, particularly in steeper terrain and wind-loaded areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: 15-25cm of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at 700mTuesday: 20-40cm of new snow / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 750mWednesday: 40-60cm of new snow / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level at 1200m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported, but that may speak more to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. I'm sure there was an impressive round of storm slab activity on Sunday, especially at higher elevations where the snow was colder and winds were stronger. With more snow and wind on the way, that trend should continue throughout the week.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1000m about 80 cm of new snow has fallen with over 100cm of new snow at higher elevations. Strong to extreme winds have redistributed the new snow into deep and dense storm slabs. This storm snow now covers a crust that was buried on January 17th. Below this crust the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.

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