Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2015 8:11AM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

Strong-extreme winds from the southerly quadrants may have redistributed snow on opposite slopes forming stiff wind slabs at upper elevations. The snowpack is highly variable. Give info and get info! Check out the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A more typical winter weather pattern has set up as a series of storms will continue to slam onto the coast then pushing their way into the Interior regions. With these fast moving systems the details are hard to pin-point like track, timing and intensity. Saying that, we know were getting it, but confidence remains low on the actuals. Friday: Strong extreme ridgetop winds from the S-SW, snow up to 5 cm, freezing levels near 1000 m. Saturday: Strong SW-W ridgetop winds, trace of new snow with accumulations increasing overnight and freezing levels at valley bottom. The stormy pattern continues early next week.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations are limited. Above 2000 m reports suggest that the average height of snow is 100-150 cm and reaches the threshold for avalanches to occur. Below, there is anywhere from 70-100 cm. Current snow surfaces are a mix of stubborn wind slabs and crusts in exposed higher elevation terrain, and loose faceted snow and surface hoar in more sheltered areas. The mid-November melt-freeze crust is sandwiched between thicker slabs approximately 30-50 cm down. Below 2000 m 20-40 cm of faceted snow sits above the melt freeze crust. That said, the combination of a crust, facets and surface hoar could prove to be a significant weak layer when it finally snows again. In general there is a lot of uncertainty regarding snowpack structure throughout the region. I would dig down and test for weak layers before committing to any steeper lines.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Pay attention to the snow beneath your skis or under your sled like shooting cracks or whumphs (drops) within the snowpack. Stiff wind slabs likely may exist.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2015 2:00PM