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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 16th, 2024–Dec 17th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Sea To Sky, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Spearhead, Tantalus.

Be prepared to dial back your terrain choice as the weather rolls in.

New storm and wind slabs will likely form in the afternoon.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday avalanche control with explosives in the region produced numerous avalanches up to size 3.

On Saturday a widespread storm cycle was observed on all aspects and elevations. These avalanches were generally up to size 2.

If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

By 4 pm on Tuesday an additional 15 cm of storm snow may have fallen. This will be accompanied by strong southerly winds forming deeper deposits on north aspects.

A crust may be found on or near the surface at lower elevations. At treeline and above a layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain may be found down 30 cm.

A prominent crust is down 50 to 80 cm at treeline. A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline at this depth but it’s distribution is uncertain.

The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies with trace amounts of snow expected. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Cloud increasing throughout the day with up to 10 cm of snow expected. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. Up to 40 cm of snow expected by late morning. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud  with trace amounts of snow expected at treeline and above. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.