Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2011 8:57AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

A weak system is expected to enter the south coast on saturday bringing trace amounts of snow. A ridge is anticipated for sunday and monday delivering mostly clear skies.Light westerly winds and freezing levels at or around valley bottom are expected for the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 slab was observed last Sunday on a north facing slope close to Keith's Hut in the Duffey Lake area. It appeared to be skier-triggered from that weekend.No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

5cm of snow fell in the Coquihalla a few nights ago and has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes, but no new snow further north means it's still on the surface. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Surface hoar buried 70 cms below the surface has been gaining strength, and just off the ground facets have been doing the same.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be lurking below ridge crests and in cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2011 8:00AM

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