Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 1st, 2013–Dec 2nd, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Little data is available for this region. If you are in the backcountry, do some detective work to see where the weak layers may be. CAC forecasters are always looking for input ! Forecaster@avalanche.ca

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cold arctic air and sunny skies have moved into the region and will remain for most of the week. No precipitation is forecast until later in the week, perhaps Thursday or Friday. Cold outflow winds will bring the freezing level down to the valley bottoms with unseasonably cool temperatures for the region. Temperatures in the alpine may drop to -18c.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported yet, however, expect activity on wind slabs that have developed during the storm.

Snowpack Summary

Precipitation with high winds has produced wind slabs on east and north east lee slopes at tree line and above.. Rain at lower elevations has saturated the lower snowpack below tree line. Early season reports indicated a poorly-bonded layer 40 cm from the surface and a crust/facet layer near the ground. These layers may be gaining strength, but could become quite reactive with the new snow loading.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently loaded lee slopes may be particularly touchy. If triggered they have potential to initiate a larger avalanche on a crust/facet layer buried deep in the snowpack.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid North-East slopes at or above treeline.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3