Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2013 8:12AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Avalanche danger may be higher than posted in areas that receive more snow than forecast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

An intense low pressure system continues to churn in the Gulf of Alaska.Thursday: The first in a series of systems will hit the region . Expect up to 5 to 10cm of snow at higher elevations. Moderate southwesterly winds at ridgetop will persist through the day. Freezing levels will rise to 1000m.Friday: A brief lull with light precipitation and moderate southwest winds at ridgetop. Freezing levels dropping to 700m.Saturday: Likely moderate snow with strong winds from the southwest as the next system hits the region.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche have been reported

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 160cm at treeline in the Cascades but 50 cm along the Duffy. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. Cold temperatures may have weakened the snow around these crusts - especially in alpine areas with a thinner snowpack such as moraines.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds from the SW will redistribute the storm snow forming thin windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The avalanche hazard will be higher in areas that receive more snow. A thin snow pack will magnify the danger of terrain traps.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal weakness may be a problem in isolated thin and rocky areas at higher elevations.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2013 2:00PM