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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2018–Dec 16th, 2018
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast.

A Special Avalanche Warning is in effect. Avalanche danger will increase rapidly with incoming intense storm.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Another storm expected to arrive with 40 to 60 mm of rain / 30 to 40 cm of snow at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1000 m. Strong south or southwest winds.SUNDAY: Around 50 - 60 mm rain / 30 to 40 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level rises to nearly 2000 m. Strong southerly winds.MONDAY: Around 30 to 40 mm rain / 20 to 30 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level falling to around 1200 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.TUESDAY: Intensity of the storm diminishes overnight with lighter rain / snow amounts and moderate winds. Freezing level around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region; however, in the neighbouring Sea to Sky region a widespread natural avalanche cycle continued on Friday. Similar avalanche activity could likely be found at high elevations in the South Coast region. The incoming storm will start a fresh round of direct action avalanches on steeper or leeward facing slopes where more than 20 or 30 cm of snow accumulates.

Snowpack Summary

Recent rain-soaked snow has frozen into a crust in most places. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely still exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of last week's extreme winds. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Hazard is primarily at higher elevations where more than 15 cm of snow accumulates. If you cross avalanche paths, consider what is above!
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2