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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2012–Dec 31st, 2012
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Have a safe and fun last day of the year! 

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday night and Monday: The weakening front should reach the North coast during the night bringing very light precipitation on the Northern part of the Sea to Sky region and gradually less to nil further South.  Winds are expected to stay light for most of the period. Freezing levels should stay at valley bottom. Tuesday: The ridge of high pressure rebuilds to give place to mostly sunny skies and a light northwesterly flow of winds. Freezing levels are expected to rise to 1100 m. in the afternoon. Wednesday: The South part of the region seems to be staying under the influence of the ridge of high pressure with no precipitation and light winds, however freezing levels could still reach 2800 m.

Avalanche Summary

Natural loose dry avalanches were observed in the Whistler area. Also, steep South facing aspects have been producing natural small loose moist avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

A few centimeter fell since yesterday adding to the windslabs on lee side of ridge tops. These windslabs could possibly be triggered by a skier, however the potential size of these avalanches is not expected to be large. In sheltered areas, it is still possible to find low density snow at the surface in the alpine and below.  A crust of moist snow can be found on steep South facing aspects. No significant shears were obtained when the top or mid snowpack was tested. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Stubborn wind slabs exist in isolated alpine and open treeline areas. These may be difficult to spot because they have been buried by light snowfall. Cornices may also be weak.
Be aware of exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4