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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 29th, 2021–Dec 30th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Northwest Coastal.

With these frigid temperatures, be aware that even a small incident may have serious consequences. If you venture out, watch for fresh wind slabs that are likely reactive to riders.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

A system, approaching from the north, is aiming at the B.C. coast, with the highest moisture (and snow potential) kept along the coastal ranges. Thursday, an arctic ridge of high pressure will re-establish itself, leading to another clear and cold day heading into Friday. The next round of snow is expected Saturday.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Light snow 3-5 cm / Strong northwest winds in the alpine/ Low of -15/ Possible inversion with -8 at 1500 m.

THURSDAY: Flurries / Moderate north winds in the alpine / High of -15 / Possible inversion with -8 at 1500 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snow beginning in the evening/ Light southwest winds in the alpine/ High of -15 / Possible temperature inversion with -8 at 1500 m. 

SATURDAY: Snow 15-30 cm / Strong to extreme southwest winds in the alpine/ High of -10

Avalanche Summary

A skier accidental (size 1) avalanche was triggered Tuesday on a northwest feature at treeline. 

Explosives triggered numerous large wind slabs (size 2) on alpine lee North-facing slopes.

If you go out in the mountains, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind forecasted for Wednesday night will have formed fresh and reactive wind slabs at treeline and alpine. This new snow might be enough to reload some scoured surfaces on east aspects.

Another weak layer of surface hoar layer was buried recently, but it does not seem a problem yet.

The December 18th surface hoar/facet layer is down 40cm, the surface hoar was observed up to 12mm in both the treeline and below. It is likely only a concern in isolated locations in the treeline where wind slab has formed above it.

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, expect to find anywhere from 120-300 cm of snow around treeline.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.