Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2015 7:47AM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

Total storm snow amounts are uncertain and falling on a variety of nasty layers. If you receive another 15 cm plus, accompanied by strong winds storm slab problems will be widespread.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

A more typical winter weather pattern has set up as a series of storms will continue to slam onto the coast then pushing their way into the Interior regions. With these fast moving systems the details are hard to pin-point like track, timing and intensity. Saying that, we know were getting it, but confidence remains low on the actuals. Friday: Strong ridgetop winds from the S-SW, snow 5-15 cm, freezing levels near 1500 m. Saturday: Strong SW-W ridgetop winds, new snow 5-10 cm with accumulations increasing overnight and freezing levels at valley bottom. The stormy pattern continues into next week.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. New snow combined with strong winds is the perfect recipe for the avalanche danger to rise.

Snowpack Summary

10-35 cm of storm snow has buried old snow surfaces which comprise of stubborn wind slabs, crusts well defined at upper elevations especially on southerly aspects, loose faceted snow and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The new snow likely has a poor bond to the old snow and things may become electric once they reach threshold. 20-35 cm below the new snow sits a thick hard crust. For the time being, this hard crust is likely adding significant strength to the snowpack below, however may be a perfect sliding layer for the snow above. Something to keep an eye on as we keep loading with subsequent storms. There is also a thick crust from early-November in the middle of the snowpack. In general there is a lot of uncertainty regarding snowpack structure throughout the region and you should investigate the snowpack in your local area before committing yourself to avalanche terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Snow amounts seem to vary region wide. Touchy storm slabs are developing and becoming electric, especially in areas receiving higher snowfall amounts. Natural and rider triggered avalanches are likely.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2015 2:00PM