Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 4th, 2018 4:16PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
The high amplitude ridge sitting off the BC Coast is expected to deflect any potential storm systems away from the province this week. The forecast period is marked by cooler temps, clear skies and no significant precipitation with no change expected for the foreseeable future.TUESDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, light southerly wind at most elevations, strong to extreme northwest wind at ridgetop, no significant precipitation expected. WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected. THURSDAY: Clear sky, freezing level at valley bottom, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected.FRIDAY: Clear sky, freezing level at valley bottom, light southwest wind at low elevations, moderate northwest wind at ridgetop, no significant precipitation expected.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. If you have been out, please submit any observations to the Mountain Information Network MIN.
Snowpack Summary
The region received up to 20 cm of snow over the past seven days. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab may exist on leeward slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts and a feathery surface hoar layer. We have a lot of uncertainty around the weak surface hoar layer and its distribution, but it's most likely present on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline. A mixed layer of melt-freeze crusts and sugary facets buried late October can be found at the base of the snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. This layer has not been active, but there is potential for slab avalanches on this layer given the current snowpack structure. Terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths would be most suspect.Average snowpack depths at treeline are near 50 cm and taper quickly as elevation decreases. Snow depths below treeline are generally below the threshold depth required to produce avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 5th, 2018 2:00PM