Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2018–Jan 1st, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast.

The current stable weather pattern will give way to another pacific frontal system impacting the South Coast region on Wednesday.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 C WEDNESDAY: Snow or rain, accumulation 10-15cm / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 C / Freezing level 800 mTHURSDAY: Snow or rain, accumulation 20-30 cm / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature 0 C / Freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new avalanches reported in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

The latest storm on the weekend was quite warm where it rained to the 1500 m elevation and perhaps above. The temperature has since dropped below zero, so expect to see a crust near or on the surface. At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow at upper elevations has been redistributed by southerly winds.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2