Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 12th, 2014 8:22AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
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.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 13th, 2014 2:00PM