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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 11th, 2025–Jan 12th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast, Powell River, North Shore, Sasquatch, Sasquatch, Tetrahedron.

Stay off wind-loaded slopes and be mindful of overhead hazard, especially during periods of strong sun.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, signs of instability and evidence of wind-loaded were observed at treeline and above.

Wind slabs at upper elevations will continue to be the main concern on Sunday. Be especially cautious during periods of strong sun.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of new snow arrived Friday night. Shifting winds have redistributed this snow into wind slabs on various aspects in exposed areas.

This new snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.

The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated, with several well-bonded crusts scattered throughout.

Snow depth has been reported as 330 cm at 1700 m, tapering quickly at lower elevations below treeline.

Watch this week's North Shore Conditions for more info.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy at treeline and below, clear above. Light flurries. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Clearing. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 3000 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
  • Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.