Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Rain and warm temperatures continue to shrink an already thin snowpack. Cooler weather is forecast for the end of the week.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reported avalanches in our region.

Please help out your backcountry community by submitting a MIN report if you head out to the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has rapidly diminished over the past several days due to warm temperatures and rain. Uncompacted areas are likely wet to the ground. Snow depth is 50-100 cm and decreases rapidly below the 1000-meter elevation mark.

Only specific terrain features with smooth ground cover, gullies, or established avalanche paths are above the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly cloudy with light rain, ridgetop wind south 15-30 km/h, freezing level 2200 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy, 2-3 mm of rain, ridgetop wind south 5 to 15 km/h, freezing levels 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy, light snow flurries or light rain, ridgetop wind south 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level 1400 m.

Friday

Cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow at upper elevations, ridgetop wind south 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Loose Wet

Wet surface snow may sluff in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2023 4:00PM