Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Rain tapering, 10 mm / Strong decreasing to moderate, west-southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature +1 / Freezing level dropping to 1500 m

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature +2 / Freezing level 1300 m

THURSDAY: Cloudy / Light, gusty southeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature +1 / Freezing level 1300 m

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm / Light, gusty southeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -2 / Freezing level 800 m

There have been no recent avalanche reports in the region.

The last avalanche observations are from Wednesday Dec 2 when numerous slab and loose wet avalanches were reported at treeline elevations and associated with rapid warming. Then, on Thursday, several glide cracks opened up on the North Shore Mountains.

Have you been out and about in the mountains? If so please submit to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). It doesn't have to be technical it can be as simple as a photo. Photos are especially helpful! Sending out a big thank you to the already submitted MIN's this season. Thanks everyone!

By Tuesday morning, over 50 mm rain fell on the North Shore Mountains and saturated the snowpack at all elevations, this will cool and freeze as temperatures drop.

Snowpack depth changes quickly with elevation. Prior to the storm, depths ranged from 100 cm in the trees up to 150-200 cm near mountain tops.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
• The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.