Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Jan 12 – 13, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–6
    A weak layer of buried facets near the ground continues to be a concern in the north of the region. Watch for an increased likelihood of triggering in unsupported terrain with a variable or shallow snowpack.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Moderate to heavy snowfall and strong winds will have added to a developing storm slab. In sheltered locations this may sit above a layer of surface hoar that is now primed for human triggering. Watch for increased reactivity in wind-exposed terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A ridge of high pressure will build to the south deflecting a series of storms at the North Coast.  A moist, sub-tropical moisture stream looks to feed these systems so expect moderate to heavy precipitation through the upcoming week. The precipitation will likely fall as rain in the south of the region becoming snow further north.Tonight and Monday:  Flurries overnight becoming moderate snow Monday / Moderate to strong west winds /  Freezing level 600m rising to 1200m.Tuesday: Heavy rain or snow / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing levels 1400m North of Bear Pass, 2500m in the Skenna.Wednesday: Clearing with flurries / Light northwest winds / Freezing level 900m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Reports suggest that the snowpack is shallower and more faceted in the northern of the region, in the south it is deeper with more wind slab problems. Professionals in the area note there is much more variability in snow cover this year compared to most years.Around the Skeena corridor 70-80cm of recently fallen snow overlies a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar in sheltered locations, and wind-affected snow at upper elevations. Windslabs are developing on north to north east lee features. Depending on your location, you may find a facet/crust combo or surface hoar from early in January sitting below the storm snow surface. Report suggest these layers are gaining strength; however, they may be worth keeping an eye on as the snow load above them increases.Below this the mid and lower snowpack is gaining strength. The exception is where a layer of week snow is lingering just above the ground in the shallower snowpack found in the North of the region.

Regions covered