Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2015 8:32AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Stormy weather is forecast for the weekend. Avalanche danger is trending up if the storms push far enough north.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The freezing level should remain at about 500 metres overnight and during the day Saturday. Expect 5-10 cm overnight and another 10-15 cm during the day combined with moderate southerly winds. Heavy precipitation, strong southerly winds and rising freezing levels are forecast for Sunday and Overnight to Monday morning. There should be a bit of lull between storms during the day Monday.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive controlled storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 and skier controlled cornice to size 2.0 on Thursday from north of Stewart. No new natural avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

A MIN report from Shames on Thursday describes 8-12 cm soft wind slabs at 1300 metres on southerly aspects that were not well bonded to the underlying crust. The distribution of surface hoar left after the recent clear weather is our biggest knowledge gap. New storm slabs are widespread and variable in depth. The north of the region has more snow than the south and the temperatures in the north have been cooler with lower freezing levels. If you any observations please submit them to the Mountain information Network (MIN) at www.avalanche.ca

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine. Forecast new snow and wind will add to these developing slabs.

Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2015 2:00PM