Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2013 8:00AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

An arctic air mass is still sitting over much of BC however a series of fronts will start to drive the cold air out of the region through the week. Tuesday will be cloudy, cool and calm. Wednesday will see light precipitation and increasing SW winds. Light snow will continue into Thursday before tapering off Friday. Freezing levels will climb through the forecast period reaching 1300m in the west of the region by Friday

Avalanche Summary

No reports of recent avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 160cm at treeline in the Cascades but 50 cm along the Duffy. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Arctic outflow winds have redistributed the snows that fell last week forming wind slabs on S to SW slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. There haven't been any reports of avalanches on these layers, but they're worth looking for it if you dig a pit.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Northeast winds redistributed the snow from last week forming wind slabs in lee features at ridgeline and on cross-loaded slopes. Don't let wind slabs in unusual places catch you by surprise.
Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2013 2:00PM

Login