Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2017 4:17PM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The intensity of incoming weather is uncertain. If significant precipitation arrives on Wednesday, actual danger ratings may be higher than posted.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 3-5cm of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at about 300mThursday: 10-30cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at about 400mFriday: 25-30cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at about 700m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Looking forward, snow and wind forecast for the next few days will likely promote a new round of storm slab activity.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. About 15-30 cm below the surface you'll likely find the December 18th melt-freeze crust, which has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. That said, I'd keep an eye on this crust as new snow accumulates overtop. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at the 1100 m elevation with many early season hazards present at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent variable winds have formed pockets of stubborn wind slab on most aspects in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Watch for new wind slab development with new snow and wind forecast for Wednesday.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for areas of stiff or hollow feeling snow, whumpfing, or shooting cracks.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2017 2:00PM