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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2018–Dec 18th, 2018
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

It is all about the freezing level. Precipitation will be steady Monday night into Tuesday. Avalanche danger will increase as you gain elevation where the precipitation is more likely to be falling as snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: 25-35 mm rain / 25-35 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level  1300 m. Strong south wind.TUESDAY: 10-20 mm of rain / 10-20 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature -1. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 1500 mWEDNESDAY: Rain showers or flurries, accumulation 5cm. Alpine temperature -3. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1200 mTHURSDAY: 30-40 mm rain / 30-40 cm snow at higher elevations. Alpine temperature 1. Strong southwest wind. Freezing level  2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region; however, in the neighbouring Sea to Sky region numerous natural and explosives controlled avalanches have been reported through the last several days. Similar avalanche activity could likely be found at high elevations in the South Coast region. The latest storm arriving Monday night will start a fresh round of direct action avalanches on steeper or leeward facing slopes at upper elevations where more than 20 or 30 cm of snow accumulates.

Snowpack Summary

Recent precipitation has come as rain resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see storm snow from the past few days approaching 100cm with accompanied thick wind deposits in alpine lee terrain. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now over 200 cm.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Hazard is primarily at higher elevations where more than 15 cm of snow accumulates. If you cross avalanche paths, consider what is above! Heavy snow combined with strong winds will also create winds slabs in alpine and tree line lees.
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

The forecast calls for a fluctuating freezing level. As a result, rain falling on recent new snow, may result in surface snow weakening and sluffing in steep terrain.
Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5