Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2018 4:50PM

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

Avalanche Canada jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

A brief lull between storms should make for some good riding. Pay attention to areas of wind-affected snow.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Dry with clear periods.MONDAY: Clouding over with light snow starting in the afternoon, 3-5 cm. Winds increasing to moderate southwesterly. Treeline temperatures around -6C.TUESDAY: 15-20 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to around 800 m.WEDNESDAY: 30-50 cm new snow. Strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to around 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle was reported on Saturday up to size 3.

Snowpack Summary

Areas around Terrace have seen as much as 60 cm recent storm snow. Winds have shifted from southwesterly to northwesterly. A pre-Christmas layer of surface hoar was previously buried on or around December 22, and is now buried 50-80 cm below the surface. It is unclear how reactive this layer is, but its presence could increase the potential size of avalanches from the recent storm snow.Lower in the snowpack, sitting somewhere between 120-200 cm below the surface lies a weak layer from mid-December. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar was most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Substantial amounts of new snow that arrived with strong southwesterly winds have set up touchy storm and wind slabs on steep slopes.
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2018 2:00PM

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