Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2013 8:40AM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The current pattern seems to be stuck on repeat. NW flow directs the bulk of the moisture at the North Coast leaving the South Coast largely high and dry. Winds are the big story Monday and Tuesday. If you believe in Miracles, there's a suggestion of a storm that could reach the South Coast on Thursday night. Cross your fingers.Monday: Freezing Level: 750m Precip: 2/5mm 2/8cm Wind: Initially light & Variable building to Strong SW late in the afternoon.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 750m Precip: Trace Wind: Mod W switching NW in the afternoon.Wednesday: Freezing Level: 500m Precip: Trace Wind: Light, W.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanche activity reported on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Previously strong SW winds formed thin wind slabs in isolated terrain features that produced a few size one avalanches. Warm temperatures resulted in a melt freeze crust in place below 1800m. Roughly 25-50cm below the surface you may find a variety of old surfaces which formed during the early December cold snap. These surfaces include sugary faceted snow (which may overlie a crust in some areas) and spotty surface hoar in sheltered terrain. In most places the overlying slab seems to be well bonded to this interface thanks to ongoing moderate temperatures.Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, but are significantly lower than average for this time of year. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity. Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain new snow on the surface might be just enough to hide open crevasses where supportive snow bridges have not yet developed.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
A few cm of new snow combined with strong SW winds Monday afternoon will likely result in thin wind slab formation immediately lee of ridge crest and mid slope features in the alpine.  Stay vigilant for changing conditions at treeline late Monday.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2013 2:00PM