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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2022–Dec 20th, 2022
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

With low-density snow, be aware of the potential for small loose avalanches in steep terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported recently. Keep sharing your observations by submitting a MIN report! They are especially helpful in the early season when snowpack information can be limited.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is thin and averages 100 cm deep at treeline. The surface is now a variety of crusts, heavily wind-affected snow in exposed areas and drier snow on upper north slopes.

Down approximately 70 cm, a buried layer contains decomposed surface hoar crystals. There is also a layer of weak, sugary crystals near the base of the snowpack. Neither of these layers has produced avalanches, but uncertainty remains on the effect of cold temperatures on these deep layers.

Weather Summary

A weather system from the Pacific will spread moderate snowfalls to this region Tuesday. A return to drier conditions with cold temperatures and strong outflow winds continues for the rest of the week.

Monday night

Snow 10-15 cm. Westerly wind at 20-30 km/h at ridge tops. Low of -15 ËšC.

Tuesday

Snow 5 cm. Westerly wind at 40-50 km/h at ridge tops. High of -12 ËšC.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy. No precipitation. Northwest wind at 30 km/h at ridge tops. High of -15 ËšC.

Thursday

Cloudy. No precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 40 km/h at ridge tops. High of -12 ËšC.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecasted snow amounts and moderate winds will rapidly create wind slabs in open terrain. Wind slabs could be reactive as they overlie a crust, buried surface hoar or hard wind-affected surface. Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2