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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 15th, 2017–Dec 16th, 2017
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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.

A dusting of new snow has covered the most-recent surface crust. With more snow expected over the weekend, watch for how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Cloudy, flurries. Accumulation up to 5 cm. Ridge wind light from the west. Temperature -4. Freezing level 800 m.SUNDAY: Snow. Accumulation 10-15 cm. Ridge wind moderate from the southwest. Freezing level 1000 m.MONDAY: Cloudy, flurries. Accumulation up to 5 cm. Ridge wind light from the west. Freezing level 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of avalanche activity since last weekend when a small, natural, wind slab avalanche was observed in the alpine on a wind-loaded, north-facing, ridge top feature on Saturday in the Metal Dome area.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting of new snow now covers the melt-freeze crust that formed at all aspects and elevations. On north aspects this surface crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust. Recent snowpack tests from earlier this week have found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now buried between approximately 60 cm at treeline elevations. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The new storm snow may be easily triggered especially in areas where there has been additional loading from wind.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets in lee areas, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2