Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 2 – 3, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Challenging travel conditions exist at treeline and below.

Pockets of wind-affected snow may be found on the highest ridgetops.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Small pockets of wind slab may develop on lee terrain features at upper elevations with bits of new snow. Even small avalanches could be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. Recent wet snow and rain may have caused wet loose avalanches in steep terrain, but field observations are limited.

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

15-25 cm of moist snow or a frozen crust may be found on the surface at uppermost elevations. This recent snow is settling rapidly and bonding well to the warm and moist snow beneath. The snowpack below 1500 m has been soaked with rain or diminishing rapidly. Total snow depths at ski hills and remote stations are 50 to 70 cm, with closer to 100 cm possible at treeline. Many areas are below the threshold depth for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Increasing cloud through the night. No rain/snow expected. Light to moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around 0 °C, freezing level at 1200 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. Light rain below 1200 m. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. treeline temperature around +2 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow above 800 m overnight, light flurries/rain through the day. Light southwest ridgetop wind. treeline temperature around -2° C,

Thursday

Cloudy. 10-15 cm of snow expected above 750 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Regions covered