Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2013–Dec 27th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light to locally moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1200mSaturday: Overcast skies / Light winds / Freezing level at 1000mSunday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations light to locally moderate of recent snow have been shifted into pockets of stiff windslab by strong southwest winds. Below treeline, rain has moistened snow surfaces. Roughly 25-50cm below the surface you may find a variety of old surfaces which formed during the early December cold snap. These surfaces include sugary faceted snow (which may overlie a crust in some areas) and spotty surface hoar in sheltered terrain. In most places the overlying slab seems to be well bonded to this interface thanks to ongoing moderate temperatures.Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region, but are significantly lower than average for this time of year. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity. Early season riding hazards such as rocks, stumps and logs are lurking below the surface in many areas. In glaciated terrain new snow on the surface might be just enough to hide open crevasses where supportive snow bridges have not yet developed.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Light to locally moderate accumulations and wind forecast for Thursday night and Friday will create new wind slabs. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridgecrests, terrain breaks and in gullies.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3