Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2018 4:52PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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 levelÂ 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 levelÂ 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.

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

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2018 2:00PM