Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2013 7:43AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Avalanche danger is expected to increase with each pulse of Pacific moisture and forecast strong winds.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Thursday: Pacific moisture on the coast is expected to push inland overnight bringing 10-15 cms of new snow by morning and another 5-10 cms during the day. Expect strong Southwest winds and freezing levels rising to about 1200 metres briefly during the storm.Friday: Precipitation should stop by morning followed by light flurries during the day. Moderate snow should begin again in the evening. Strong Southwest winds starting in the evening. Freezing level rising to about 1500 metres.Saturday: Continued moderate snowfall with strong Southwest winds and freezing level near 1500 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity is expected to increase through the week as snow accumulates and temperatures increase.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are likely highly variable across the region, with elevation, and in wind-exposed areas. Recent cold and clear weather has resulted in surface hoar formation and/or near surface facetting, which is now getting buried by light dry snow. Low-elevation and wind-affected areas likely have a shallow faceted snowpack. While in higher elevation sheltered areas the recent storm snow is likely settling and gaining strength; however, weaknesses at the old snow interface down approximately 40cm may still exist. Average snowpack depths near treeline are highly variable, but around a metre in sheltered areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Limited new snow 10-15 cms has made it into the interior with the first pulse of the new storm. Old facetted surface crusts and surface hoar have been buried by this new storm.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

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

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