Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2018 3:03PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Snowfall on Saturday may easily slide on a crust formed from Thursday's rain. Before committing to avalanche terrain, observe for the bond between the new snow and the crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, freezing level 600m. SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature -1°c, freezing level rising to 1000m. SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 40 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature 0°c, freezing level 1100m. MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, treeline temperature 0°c, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region. In the neighbouring Sea to Sky region, many natural and explosive-controlled avalanches have been reported through the last several days in alpine terrain. Similar avalanche activity is likely to be found at high elevations in the South Coast region.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures have frozen the rain that fell on Thursday, producing a thick melt-freeze crusts at most elevations. The exception is in the alpine near Squamish, where most of the precipitation likely fell as snow. New snow on Saturday will fall on these surfaces. The new snow may not bond well to the crust. At alpine elevations, substantial amounts of snowfall have produced storm slabs, with the thickest being in lee terrain features. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Snowfall on Saturday may not bond well to an underlying crust at most elevations and alpine wind slabs. Observe for the bond of the new snow before committing to larger or steeper terrain features. If you get the snow moving, it could travel far.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid travel near cliffs or gullies, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2018 2:00PM