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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 9th, 2024–Jan 10th, 2024

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

Regions

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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations as new snow settles. Human triggering potential persists as natural avalanche activity tapers off.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, accumulating storm snow was reported to be reactive to skier traffic and some size 1 storm snow avalanches were observed. Storm snow was most reactive where it sits above a layer of fragile surface hoar. See these MIN's from Mystery Peak and Mt Strachan for images and descriptions.

If you head into the backcountry by any method of travel, please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 60 cm of storm snow blankets the North Shore Mountains. This overlies 50-80 cm of recent snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack in the alpine and upper treeline. Extreme southwest winds have built thick slabs in lee feature at treeline and in the alpine.

The last few storms have brought winter to the North Shore Mountains, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, 1-5 cm of snow. Northwest ridgetop winds 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Northerly valley bottom outflow wind 25 to 40 km/h and northwest ridgetop winds 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 2 cm of snow. Northerly valley bottom outflow wind 30 to 50 km/h and northwest ridgetop winds 40 to 70 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop through the day to -13 °C.

Friday

Mainly sunny. Northwest ridgetop winds 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -17 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.