Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 30th, 2018 4:26PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
The forecast calls for a stable weather pattern over the next few days.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light north wind / Alpine temperature -3 CTUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -4 CWEDNESDAY: Flurries / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature 0 C / Freezing level 1500 m
Avalanche Summary
There was a report of two skier triggered avalanches in the Zoa peak area near Coquihalla Summit. These were both reported to be up to size 2 and running on a layer of surface hoar buried 50-60cm deep on a north aspect at tree-line. See the MIN report here.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.
Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow combined with wind and warm temperatures has promoted the development of storm slabs that may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Thickest deposits can be found in the lee of terrain features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 31st, 2018 2:00PM
