Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2014 7:55AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

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Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will see a mix of sun and cloud with generally light southwest winds. By Thursday evening a stronger weather system will impact the region bringing more steady snowfall and strong southwest winds. Freezing levels will hover around 1000m for the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Current surfaces include a mix of stubborn wind slabs and settled storm snow in the alpine, and a hard rain crust at lower elevations. Surface hoar growth has been reported in sheltered areas.There is still concern for a buried crust/facet layer which formed in November. This woke up with the recent storm snow loading and has the potential for deep slabs and wide propagations. The likelihood of triggering this beast has dropped; however, if an avalanche released at this interface it would be highly destructive.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Although they've become more difficult to trigger, avalanches on deeply buried crystals would likely be destructive in nature. Use extra caution on steep, unsupported alpine terrain.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2014 2:00PM