Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2017 5:19PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Generally the hazard comprises small wind slabs in exposed areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Lingering flurries are forecast for Saturday, with a clearing trend for Sunday and fine (warm) weather next week. Saturday: Scattered flurries and roughly 5 cm new snow. Freezing levels around 700 m. Moderate southerly winds.Sunday: Dry with some sunny breaks. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level 700m.Monday: Dry with sunny periods. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels around 600 m.

Avalanche Summary

There was a natural avalanche cycle on Sunday. So far this week, no activity has been reported, although there are not many observers out there right now. Small wind slabs are the most likely type of avalanche during over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-40 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the recent wet weather. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Strong southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.Treeline snow depths are approximately 100 cm throughout the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs are possible in steep terrain behind ridge lines. On steep slopes, the new snow may not bond well to the underlying crust.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use increased caution in lee areas. Recent snowfall and wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2017 2:00PM