Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Jan 22 – 23, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–6
    Particularly a concern on shallow rocky southern aspects with heavy triggers. Warm temperature and sun-exposure are expected to increase the likelihood of triggering these facets deep in the snowpack. Cornice falls could also act as natural triggers.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels nearing 2000m with moderate westerly winds. Friday and Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds and freezing levels over 3000 m. Temperature at 2000m could reach as high as +10 C, but valley bottoms could be slightly cooler.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanches have been reported for several days.

Snowpack Summary

Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures and sun-exposure have subjected the snow surface to melt-freeze cycles on lower elevation and sun-exposed slopes. On shady aspects expect to find faceted powder; however, in exposed areas winds have scoured windward slopes, left deep drifts on lee aspects, and and sculpted sastrugi. A facet/crust combo from late November down approximately 100-120 cm at treeline and alpine elevations continues to give sudden results in snowpack tests. Facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remain a concern on slopes with a shallow and variable snowpack in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin areas.

Regions covered