Avalanche Forecast
Dec 21st, 2018–Dec 22nd, 2018
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
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4:
High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3:
Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
2:
Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Regions: South Coast.
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.
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.
Avalanche Problems
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