Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2012 10:11AM

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

Avalanche Canada slemieux, Avalanche Canada

Have a safe and fun last day of the year! 

Summary

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2012 2:00PM