Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2015 8:34AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Low Danger does not mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A dry ridge of high pressure is forecast to develop for the forecast period. Expect increasingly clear skies and light ridge top winds. Freezing levels should hover around valley bottom for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Over the weekend about 5 cm of low-density snow fell. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. At lower elevations, you may be able to find either isolated pockets of surface hoar or a crust with facets that was reported to be buried on December 17th. Reports from the field indicate that this layer is now starting to break down and gain strength.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs may have formed in high elevation lee terrain. Loose dry avalanches are also possible on steep, sheltered slopes.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2015 2:00PM