Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2011–Dec 14th, 2011

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Good - -1

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy with flurries turning to light snowfall with associated moderate southwesterly winds in the afternoon. Freezing levels are expected to drop throughout the day to valley bottoms. Thursday: Snow tapering off throughout the day with a storm total of 10-20cm expected by the afternoon. Continued moderate southwesterly winds and 900m freezing levels. Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, light winds, and freezing levels in valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent avalanches reported. Although the likelihood of triggering deep persistent slab avalanches is now low, the potential consequences are still very high.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is wind hammered in exposed areas, a strong melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and dry faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick crust is down 20-40cm at treeline and below. Deep persistent weakness appear to be dormant, but we can't rule out triggering from shallow areas just yet. Recent snowpack tests in the Whistler area produced sudden results on an old and isolated midpack surface hoar weakness. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more snowpack discussion and good advice.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is low, but the potential high consequences necessitate keeping this deep weaknesses on your radar. The greatest concern is on steep, unsupported slopes with variable snowpack depths above 1900m.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 3 - 7