Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 22nd, 2012 9:39AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeAvalanche danger ratings are based on light to locally moderate accumulations on Saturday night. If snowfall amounts are higher, the danger rating will increase.
Summary
Confidence
Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Moderate snowfall on Saturday night should ease to light snowfall by Sunday / Moderate southeast winds / Freezing level at surfaceMonday: Mostly clear skies / Light southeast winds / Freezing level at surfaceTuesday: Light to moderate snowfall / Light southeast winds / Freezing level at surfaceConfidence: Generally good for the overall pattern / Poor for specific snowfall amounts on Saturday night/ Sunday morning
Avalanche Summary
Explosives controlled avalanches to size 2 were observed in the region in the last 2 days. I'm unaware of any significant recent natural activity. All avalanche activity observed was within the recent storm snow.
Snowpack Summary
The region has seen a daily supply of moderate to locally heavy snow accumulations over the past week. In the alpine and in exposed areas at treeline, the new snow most likely exists as a windslab. The recent snow has been settling well; however, weaknesses may still exist within the storm interfaces.A layer of surface hoar buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread. A bit deeper in the mid snowpack you might find a surface hoar layer from late November; however, tests seem to be showing limited reactivity on this layer. A generally consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer which does not seem to be reactive as of late. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Moderate winds and new snow are likely to promote ongoing surface instabilities. Triggering will be most likely in leeward, upper elevation terrain. Watch for sluffing in steep sheltered terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2012 2:00PM