Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2015 8:56AM

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.

You don't have to be an avalanche expert to submit to the MIN. If you've been out in the mountains, we'd love to hear about what you've seen.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Mainly clear skies are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday morning. Increased cloud is expected throughout the day on Thursday with 10-30cm of new snow falling between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Ridgetop winds should be light to moderate from the north on Wednesday, switching to strong and southwesterly with Thursday's snowfall. Freezing levels should hover around 500m for the forecast period. For a more detailed weather overview, check-out our Mountain Weather Forecast at: avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

A MIN report from Mt Rohr (Duffey Lake area) indicated a size 3 slab avalanche in unsupported alpine terrain which likely failed during the storm on the weekend. No other recent avalanche activity was noted. If you've been out in the mountains, we'd love to hear from you. Please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

40-50cm of snow from last weekend's storm was shifted by strong winds into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. In the Coquihalla area, reports suggest weak surface hoar may exist below the recent storm snow, although there is some uncertainty as to its distribution and reactivity. This interface may be something to keep an eye on as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion.You'll likely find a hard rain crust buried approximately 100cm below the surface. This rain crust extends up to about 2000m.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Storm accumulations from the weekend may have gained considerable strength in some areas. That said, I'd remain cautious in high elevation lee terrain where lingering pockets of wind slab may remain sensitive to human triggering.

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.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2015 2:00PM