Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2018 3:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Another coastal storm will blanket snow across the mountains on Wednesday. The snow and associated strong winds may form new slabs.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, freezing level 600 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 600 m.THURSDAY: Mostly sunny, light west winds, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 500 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, strong southwest winds, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday. Avalanche activity may increase on Wednesday with the incoming storm.

Snowpack Summary

New snow on Wednesday will fall on about 50 cm of recent snow, which sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Strong winds on Wednesday may redistribute snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Snowfall on Wednesday will fall with strong southerly winds. Expect to find the thickest slabs in lee terrain features.

Cornices are large and unstable. Give cornices a wide berth.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2018 2:00PM