Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2018 3:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The recent storm snow may need a bit more time to bond to the snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, freezing level 600 m.THURSDAY: Increasing clouds over the day, light to moderate northwest winds, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 500 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate west winds, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 30 to 40 cm, strong southwest winds, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Although reports are limited, no new avalanches were observed on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow fell on Wednesday. This snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces, particularly in the north of the region where the snow may have fallen on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar.Deeper, about 60 cm of recent snow sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but may be slower to bond in other areas.The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The 10 to 20 cm of snowfall from Wednesday will need some time to bond to the snowpack. Deeper, reports suggest that the 60 cm of recent storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying hard crust.

Cornices are large and unstable. Give cornices a wide berth.Avoid travel near cliffs or gullies, where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Observe for the bonding within the storm snow before committing to avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2018 2:00PM