Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2013 8:24AM

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

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure builds on Wednesday bringing clear, cold conditions to most of the Province. The next low pressure system is expected to hit the North Coast late Thursday and should reach the South Coast by Thursday night or Friday morning.Wednesday: Cloudy with light precipitation in the morning, clearing into the afternoon, freezing levels dropping to valley bottom during the day, light northerly windsThursday: Clear and dry conditions, freezing levels at valley bottom, light northerly windsFriday: Light precipitation in the south of the region, moderate in north of the region, freezing levels at valley bottom, light to moderate SW winds

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 130cm reported at treeline in the Northern Cascades but only 50 cm along the Duffy. In general, the snowpack across the region is significantly thinner than average for this time of year. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.The recent warm temperatures have generally promoted snowpack settlement and bonding within the snowpack. The recent storm snow is bonding well to the mid-Dec facet interface at treeline and below. Previous weak interfaces deeper in the snowpack are generally well bonded and unreactive to snowpack tests. In the alpine, strong SW winds have redistributed the recent storm snow creating wind slabs in leeward features and wind scoring on windward slopes.Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface at treeline elevations and below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent strong SW winds have created winds slabs in leeward features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2013 2:00PM