Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 8th, 2015–Dec 9th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

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

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: South Coast.

The storm continues! Freezing levels are forecast to fall improving conditions but don't let your guard down just yet.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected to continue but the exciting news is that freezing levels are forecast to drop. WEDNESDAY: 5-15cm of snow, with heaviest snowfalls forecast for the Coquihalla, light to moderate southeast wind, freezing level falling to 1500m. THUSDAY: 5-15cm of snow, light southerly wind, freezing level at 1200m. FRIDAY: A brief break before the next series of storms with isolated flurries, light southwesterly wind, freezing level at 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

We're still dealing with a limited set of observations and it sounds like there is quite a lot of variability across the region. It's been snowing hard above 2200m where deep storm slabs are developing. At lower elevations heavy rain has saturated the snowpack. Strong southwesterly winds have loaded lee features at ridge top. The new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack in the Duffy whereas pre-storm reports from the Coquihalla described a shallower early season snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The reactivity of the storm snow should decrease as freezing levels fall, however, slab avalanches are still likely in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features.

If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 5