Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2013 8:10AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The latest weather models are predicting less precipitation for the region than previously forecast.Friday: Light precipitation will taper off early in the day. Ridge top winds will be light to moderate from the west. Freezing levels will hover between 1300 1500m.Saturday: The arrival of a weak warm front will bring between 5 and 15cm of snow to the alpine with moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing levels will rise through the day up to 1800m.Sunday: Expect partly cloudy skies and a cooling trend in the wake of the frontal system.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche have been reported

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 160cm at treeline in the Cascades but only 50cm along the Duffy. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.The snow forecast for Thursday failed to materialize with only light accumulations across the region barely covering a variety of old surfaces. Closer to the coast where the recent arctic outflow winds were stronger a thin layer of facets covers a crust on wind scoured north and northeast slopes. In sheltered locations, surface hoar could be found both at treeline in the alpine.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher elevations. The cold temperatures may have weakened the snow around these crusts - especially in alpine areas with a thinner snowpack such as moraine features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds from the SW will redistribute the storm snow forming thin windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The avalanche hazard will be higher in areas that receive more snow. A thin snow pack will magnify the danger of terrain traps.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal weakness may be a problem in isolated thin and rocky areas at higher elevations.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2013 2:00PM