Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 9th, 2013–Dec 10th, 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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

An arctic air mass is still sitting over much of BC however a series of fronts will start to drive the cold air out of the region through the week. Tuesday will be cloudy, cool and calm. Wednesday will see light snows across the region accompanied by light SW winds. The precipitation will continue into Thursday when freezing level will rise to 900m meaning rain will fall at lower elevations. The snow and wind look to taper off by Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Reports of a skier triggered avalanche from over the weekend indicate that lingering windslabs may still be reactive.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with up to 130cm in the alpine. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Arctic outflow winds have redistributed the snows that fell last week forming wind slabs on S to SW slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. There haven't been any reports of avalanches on these layers, but they're worth looking for it if you dig a pit.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Northeast winds redistributed the snow from last week forming windslabs in lee features at ridgeline and on cross-loaded slopes. Don't let wind slabs in unusual places catch you by surprise.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3