Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 7th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
Rain continues to thrash and saturate the snowpack, a wet loose hazard will persist as long as the snowpack is moist or wet.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Continuing rain, 30-50 mm / Strong, south ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature +2 / Freezing level spiking above 2500 m
TUESDAY: Rain and wet snow, 20-30 mm / Strong decreasing to moderate, west-southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature +5 / Freezing level dropping to 1600 m
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature +3 / Freezing level 1300 m
THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm / Light, gusty southeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature +2 / Freezing level 1200 m
Avalanche Summary
The last avalanche observations are from Wednesday Nov 2 when numerous slab and loose wet avalanches were reported at treeline elevations and associated with rapid warming. Then, on Thursday, several glide cracks opened up on the North Shore Mountains.
Have you been out and about in the mountains? If so please submit to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). It doesn't have to be technical it can be as simple as a photo. Photos are especially helpful! Sending out a big thank you to the already submitted MIN's this season. Thanks everyone!
Snowpack Summary
Around 30 mm rain fell on the North Shore Mountains by Monday afternoon and upwards of 30-50 mm is forecasted into Tuesday. A wet and warm snowpack persists due to heavy rain saturating the snowpack at all elevations.
Prior to the storm, snowpack depth varied rapidly with elevation, approximately 100 cm in the trees up to 150-200 cm near mountain tops.
Terrain and Travel
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
Problems
Loose Wet
Rain has saturated the snowpack. With freezing levels spiking above mountain top late Monday and ongoing rain, a wet loose hazard will persist as long as the snowpack is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
As freezing levels drop, storms slabs will develop at high elevations where dry snow accumulates.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 8th, 2020 4:00PM
