Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2017 3:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Warm air is the continuing trend. Seek shady slopes for the best snow. Be cautious on steep slopes if the snow feels moist or wet.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, moderate to strong southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3000 m.SUNDAY: Morning and afternoon cloud with mid-day clearing, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level 3000 m and rising to 3500 m over the day.MONDAY: Sunny, light to moderate southerly winds, freezing level around 3700 m.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday or Friday. On Wednesday, small loose wet avalanches were noted up to size 1 in steep terrain, entraining the top 15 to 20 cm of snow.

Snowpack Summary

Warm weather has melted the snow surface to the top of the highest mountains, particularly on southerly aspects. Surface crusts may form overnight but will melt quickly in the morning. The upper snowpack is well-settled and bonding to a buried crust. Below treeline there are still open creeks, alder, and other early-season hazards. Expect snow depths around 200 cm at 1300 m and 60 cm at 800 m.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm air temperatures and clear skies have produced spring-like conditions on steep solar aspects. Loose wet avalanches may begin small but can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

Avoid sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2017 2:00PM