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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2021–Dec 16th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Regions: Vancouver Island.

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

 Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, northwesterly winds / Low of -5 C / Freezing level 500 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High of 0 C / Freezing level 700 m.

FRIDAY: Increasing cloudiness / Light, westerly winds / High of -3 C / Freezing level 500 m.

SATURDAY: Snow/rain; 40-60 mm / Extreme, southwesterly winds / High of 3 C / Freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

The major layer in the snowpack is a crust down 60-90 cm that was formed in early December. Small facets (sugary snow crystals) have been reported on this crust that have the potential to create a persistent slab problem. No avalanches have been reported on this layer.

Early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks remain at lower elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers on numerous aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2