Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2017 3:15PM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Posted danger ratings are for Thursday morning. The avalanche danger is forecast to increase throughout the day and could become HIGH by the afternoon.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: 10-15cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Alpine temperature of -5Thursday: 20-40cm of new snow with greatest accumulations expected in the south of the region / Strong southwest winds / Alpine temperature of -5Friday: Mix of sun and cloud in the morning with 5-10cm of snow falling later in the day / Light and variable winds / Alpine temperature of -6Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light and variable winds / Alpine temperature of -10

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Looking forward, snow and wind forecast for the next few days will likely promote a new round of storm slab activity.

Snowpack Summary

By Thursday morning, up to 15cm of new snow is expected to have fallen. Strong southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and loose faceted snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Variable amounts of snow (up to 100cm around the Coquihalla and closer to 40cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. As of late, this layer hasn't produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Steady snowfall and strong winds are forecast to create reactive new storm slabs throughout the day on Thursday. Watch for increased reactivity in higher elevation lee terrain. As new snow depths increase, so will the avalanche danger.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2017 2:00PM

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