Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2015 8:58AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

I expect conditions around Pemberton to be similar to the Sea to Sky region this weekend where the avalanche hazard is forecast to be higher.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The last blast of this storm system is going to be mainly felt in the areas around Pemberton. SATURDAY: another 10cm of snow through the day and 15 overnight for the Hurley, slightly less for the Duffy and a lot less for the Coquihalla. Its going to remain cool with a freezing level below 1000m although winds are going to build to moderate from the south through the day. SUNDAY: light snowfall, moderate southwest winds, freezing level at 800m. MONDAY: Clear, light northwest winds and freezing level at 500m.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has slowed down although explosive tests suggest that human triggering may still be possible especially in wind loaded features in the alpine and at tree-line.

Snowpack Summary

Almost a meter and a half of new snow has fallen in the high alpine over the last week with predominantly southerly winds loading lee features in the alpine and at tree line. Freezing levels rose briefly and saturated snow is being reported bellow tree-line. In sheltered terrain at upper elevations you can find almost 40cm of dry snow overlying a rain crust. This curst extends up to 2000m north of Pemberton and to 2200m along the Coquihalla.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Slab avalanches remain possible in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features, especially where this snow is sitting on a rain crust.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2015 2:00PM