Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2018 3:58PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect for this region. Alpine areas near Squamish are where the danger will be highest.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Around 20 cm new snow above 1600 m. Around 20 mm rain at lower elevations.FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, but very strong southerly winds (up to 100 km/h at ridgetop). Rain/snow starting up again on Friday night. Freezing level around 1700 m.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds becoming light southwesterly. Freezing level around 900 m.SUNDAY: 25 cm or so new snow with a freezing level of around 1200 m. Strong southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle to size 2 has occurred in the neighboring Sea to Sky region. Similar avalanche activity can be expected at higher elevations in the South Coast region.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight rain will soak into recent new snow. One or more other crusts may already exist in the upper snowpack. Particularly at alpine elevations, new snow is not expected to bond well to underlying surfaces.Prior to the recent storms, the snowpack had been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. This situation is changing rapidly and it is now necessary to evaluate all open slopes for avalanche hazard. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 130 cm.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Hazard is currently confined to higher elevations in the region where new snow is accumulating on old snow. As more snow falls at lower elevations use caution on steep, unsupported features and above terrain traps.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesBe alert to conditions that change with elevation.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2018 2:00PM