Avalanche Forecast
South Coast Inland
Natural avalanche activity is expected to tapper off early Friday morning, but human triggered avalanches remain possible or even likely in wind loaded features, especially those that are steep and unsupported.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Use caution in lee alpine and treeline terrain where human triggering is most likely.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported, but we suspect that the new snow and wind may have initiated a round of storm slab avalanches on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
As of Thursday afternoon the storm has produced about 25 cm in the north of the region and around 40 cm in the south. Winds have largely been out of the southwest throughout the storm. The new storm snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and loose faceted snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
Variable amounts of snow (up to 100 cm around the Coquihalla and closer to 40 cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. As of late, this layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.
Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
Weather Forecast
Most of BC finds itself under the influence of a massive arctic high-pressure system that has enveloped the province in an unseasonably cold, dry arctic air mass. In contrast, a milder, moisture-laden stream of air has taken aim at southwestern BC. These two air masses are set to clash over southern BC through Friday night, producing potentially heavy snowfall along the south coast before expected clearing begins on Saturday.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong west/northwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.
FRIDAY: Overcast, freezing level at valley bottom, light to moderate southwest wind, trace of snow possible.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, 5 to 15 cm of snow possible.
SATURDAY: Skies clearing throughout the day, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong NW wind, no snow expected.
SUNDAY: Clear skies, freezing level at valley bottom, light variable wind, no snow expected.
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A brief break in the storm cycle Friday should begin to reduce the likelihood of human triggered avalanches, but you need to remain vigilant in your travel practices, especially when it comes to convexities, terrain traps and wind loaded slopes.