Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2013–Jan 1st, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Avalanche Danger is expected to spike during a storm on Thursday.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy with scattered light flurries increasing to moderate snowfall in the evening. Strong SW winds are expected with the onset of significant precipitation and freezing levels should hover around 1300m. Thursday: Snow with 20-30cm of total accumulation. Strong SW winds and freezing levels around 1200m. Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with no significant precipitation expected. Freezing levels lowering to 900m and light winds.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanche activity reported on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary across the region and with elevation, but overall below average for this time of year. Wind-exposed areas are highly variable with scoured areas and deep drifts, and the snowpack below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity. Mid and lower snowpack layers include facets (which may overlie a crust in some areas) and spotty surface hoar in sheltered terrain. In most places the overlying slab seems to be well bonded, but continued settlement could make the slab more reactive before the facets gain strength. Below 1800m is a surface crust with a skiff of snow on it.Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain new snow on the surface might be just enough to hide open crevasses where supportive snow bridges have not yet developed.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs that formed on Monday are likely limited to the immediate leeward side of ridgecrests, but widespread fresh touchy wind slabs are expected to start forming Wednesday afternoon.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2