Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2012 9:43AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light SW winds. Freezing level near 600 m. Light snow.Saturday: Light NW winds. Freezing level near 600 m. Light snow.Sunday: Light winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Cloudy.

Avalanche Summary

Several glide avalanches up to size 2 have been observed around the Duffey Lake highway on smooth south-facing slopes. This type of avalanche is usually preceded by a crack opening up on the slope, so avoiding them should be straight-forward. Just donâ€™t linger on or under slopes sporting glide cracks. No other avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Recently, wind slabs have developed lee to both SE and down-valley winds. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. A thick layer of facets making up the bottom the snowpack was observed on a north aspect near Wendy Thompson Hut. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal weakness may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs. These could be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile. Cornices are also fragile.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2012 2:00PM