Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2017 4:04PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast Inland.

Warm alpine air is the continuing trend. Be cautious on steep slopes if the snow feels moist or wet.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2800 m with below-freezing temperatures in the valleys. Chance of light precipitation in the northwestern section of the region on Saturday night, accumulation 1-5 mm.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3100 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous small loose wet avalanches (size 1) were observed on steep south and west-facing slopes on Wednesday and Thursday. Glide avalanches were observed on steep, smooth rock slabs to size 2 around the Coquihalla on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm air temperature and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on solar aspects, which have been freezing into a crust during the nights. In shady slopes, surface hoar to 20 mm and near-surface faceting have been observed around treeline and in the alpine. Lingering wind slabs on all aspects may be found in the alpine but are trending towards being unreactive. Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.  The recent snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust which is now 30-50 cm deep. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Warm air temperatures and clear skies have producing spring-like conditions on steep solar aspects. Loose wet avalanches may begin small but can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Avoid sunny slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Loose wet avalanches may trigger deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2017 2:00PM

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