Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2018 3:24PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

If you make it to treeline or alpine terrain, be observant of recent storm snow amounts. Expect the deepest and touchiest snow deposits adjacent to ridges.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10cm, freezing level dropping from 1000m to 500m. FRIDAY: Sunny with afternoon clouds, moderate west winds, treeline temperature -4°c, freezing level 600m. SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature -2°c, freezing level 900m. SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 40cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature 0°c, freezing level 1200m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region. In the neighbouring Sea to Sky region, many natural and explosive-controlled avalanches have been reported through the last several days. Similar avalanche activity is likely to be found at high elevations in the South Coast region.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Thursday's precipitation fell as rain at most elevations except for in the alpine near Squamish. Expect to find rain-soaked snow to treeline and storm snow up to 100 cm thick and even deeper in wind-loaded terrain features in the high alpine. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Recent storm snow accumulation over 100 cm may be found at higher elevations. Expect to find even thicker slabs in lee terrain features due to strong winds from the south. Snow amounts from Thursday's storm will rapidly vary with elevation.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2018 2:00PM

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