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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 6th, 2024–Dec 7th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. We expect to see natural storm slab avalanche activity during the storm at elevations where snow accumulation is significant.

If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider reporting your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Heavy, wet snow accumulates at upper elevations. Any old surface layers such as facets, surface hoar or thin crusts have likely been neutralized by the warm, wet start to this storm. Below 1100 m, rain soaks an already moist upper snowpack.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.

Snow depths at treeline vary across the region. Currently, 100 cm is reported near Whistler and 65 cm near Blowdown Mountain. For more detail on snowpack conditions across the region see Zenith Guides' snow conditions report.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

15 to 40 cm of heavy, wet snow above 1200 m. In areas near to the coast, some of this could fall as rain initially. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level dropping from 2000 m to 1600 m.

Saturday

5 to 25 cm of snow above 1300 m. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level dropping from 1900 m to 1200 m.

Sunday

10 to 20 cm of snow overnight then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain with no overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Natural storm slab avalanches will become increasingly likely at elevations experiencing rapid loading by heavy, wet snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are possible in steep terrain while it's raining. It doesn't take a lot of heavy, wet snow to knock a rider of their feet, or worse.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2