Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2015–Dec 24th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

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

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Tomorrow's storm will be most intense in more coastal areas. Danger ratings will be one step lower than forecast in areas that receive less than 20 cm of new snow overnight.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Snowfall will continue overnight in the south of the region petering out by Thursday morning. Garibaldi could receive as much as 30cm although forecast amounts taper off sharply to the north with less than 5cm expected for Pemberton. Friday and Saturday look to be mainly dry. An artic front just inland stretches almost all the way down the coast and will keep freezing levels below 500m. Winds will be light and variable Thursday before building to moderate south-westerlies by Saturday as a powerful storm is forecast to slide down the BC coast.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity appears to have tapered off since the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Between 40 and 70 cm of new snow fell in the weekend's storms. The new snow is now settling and gaining strength and may be forming variable soft slabs. Wind slabs can be found in immediate lee features on north to northeast aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The December 8th crust is down about 120 cm and is reported to be well bonded to the snow above it.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

In areas that receive 20cm of new snow or more watch for fresh slabs developing at all elevations as the storm snow settles through the day. Old wind slabs may still be be reactive in lee features on east through northwest aspects.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3