Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2015 7:49AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Rising freezing levels, heavy precipitation, and strong winds are a recipe for High avalanche danger!

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

A series of powerful storms are going to wallop the coast over the coming days bringing heavy precipitation and strong winds. Unfortunately the freezing level could rise as high as 2000m on Tuesday. However, higher elevations could see snowfall accumulations of between 40 and 60cm. Freezing levels are forecast to fall back to between 1000 and 1500m for the remained of the forecast period with another 55cm expected by Friday. Winds will be moderate from the southwest.

Avalanche Summary

There have been reports of a widespread natural avalanche activity from the Whistler area that is likely indicative of what is going on in the rest of the Sea to Sky region. This cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

It's been snowing hard above 1500m where deep storm slabs are developing. In addition, extreme southwesterly winds have produced even deeper winds slabs that I expect extend well into lee features both in the alpine and at tree-line. Below tree-line snow depths are still below threshold for avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Heavy snowfall will likely result in a continued and widespread avalanche cycle.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2015 2:00PM