Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2011 8:20AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observationsfor the entire period

Weather Forecast

Thursday and Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, but no precipitation expected. Moderate to strong westerly winds and freezing levels rising throughout Thursday reaching as high as 1500m on friday. Saturday: Increasing cloud with light precipitation possible by midday. Freezing levels dropping back down to valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural loose wet avalanches up to Size 2 with isolated Size 2.5s were observed during the warm and wet weather on Monday. Large glide avalanches from steep rock slabs were also observed; one was reported to be size 3.5.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas are wind-blasted with soured areas and deep drifts on all aspects. Overnight rain up to 1100m in the north, and alpine elevations in the south, likely melted surface hoar, settled surface facets, and froze crust. Glide cracks are opening and cornices are weakening.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated weak wind slabs may still be lurking below ridge crests, behind terrain features, and in cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2011 8:00AM