Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2015 7:16AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Riding conditions are improving but don't let your guard down, especially in wind loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

 A brief break Friday before the snow starts again on Saturday. FRIDAY: Isolated flurries, light southeast winds, freezing level 1000m, SATURDAY: 10cm new snow, strong south winds, freezing level 1000m. SUNDAY: up to 30cm new snow, moderate southwest winds, freezing level 800m.

Avalanche Summary

We’re continuing to receive reports of large storm slab avalanches from the Whistler area that is likely indicative of what is going on in much of the Sea to Sky region. This cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

Over a meter of snow has fallen in the high alpine in the last week.  Southwesterly winds are loading lee features in the alpine.  A rain crust can be found in the upper snowpack up to 2200m.  Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches although I expect we'll be crossing that line some time by the end of the forecast period.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Slab avalanches are still possible especially in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features.
If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2015 2:00PM