Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2017 4:16PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Don't let your guard down with the sunny weather and fresh snow. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We'll have fine weather for the foreseeable future. Significant warming begins Tuesday afternoon.Tuesday: Mainly sunny and becoming warm up high. Freezing levels rising to 2000 m. Light northerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny and warm. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels 3000m. Alpine high temperatures to +2 Celsius.Thursday: Sunny and warm. Freezing levels around 3100 m. Light northwesterly winds. Alpine high temperatures to +3 Celsius.

Avalanche Summary

Little activity has been reported lately, although there are not many observers out there right now. In southern sections (Coquihalla), lingering small wind slabs are the primary concern. In the north of the region (Duffey Lake zone), small (Size 1), dry loose avalanches have been reported in steep terrain at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-50 cm of snow from last week sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs are possible in steep terrain behind ridge lines, especially in the south of the region (Coquihalla area). On steep slopes, the new snow may not bond well to the underlying crust.

Use increased caution in downwind areas. Recent snowfall and wind loading have created wind slabs.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Manage your sluff appropriately in steep terrain at higher elevations, particularly in the north of the region (Duffey Lake zone).

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2017 2:00PM