Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2014 3:00PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Watch for wind slabs lurking in unusual places as the winds have been shifting direction.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cold and dry with strong N-E outflow winds. A temperature inversion may form on Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

Over the last few days we've had reports of naturally and skier-triggered size 1-2 slabs, mostly wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above. Explosive control with a cornice drop on Saturday produced a size 2.5 storm slab on a north-facing slope at 1400 m.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm new snow from Friday night is likely to form new wind slabs on south through to west-facing slopes as the winds shift into an outflow pattern. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled. Several old crust layers exist but these appear to be well bonded.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong outflow winds are expected to redistribute recent snow onto lee slopes behind ridges and ribs. Be alert for breakable, drummy or punchy snow conditions which may indicate wind slabs.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features. These may look smooth or bulbous.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2014 2:00PM