Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2018 4:08PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Snow is finally coming! Some parts of the region could see rapid loading on Sunday, so be prepared to dial back your terrain choices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Storm arriving overnight bringing 5 cm of snow by the morning (with a fair bit more possible near the coast), strong wind out of the south, freezing level climbing to 1000 m.SUNDAY: Another 5-20 cm of snow throughout the day, strong wind out of the south, freezing level climbing to 1200 m.MONDAY: Flurries with another 5-10 cm of snow, moderate to strong wind out of the southwest, freezing level around 800 m.TUESDAY: The next storm arrives with 20-40 cm of snow, extreme wind out of the southwest, and freezing level up to 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

New snow will accumulate as a series of storms bring much needed snow to the region. With strong winds in the forecast expect thicker wind deposits at high elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the feathery surface hoar crystals and soft sugary snow that have been sitting on the surface for the past week.Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.We currently have limited snowpack observations, but expect snow depths ranging from 70-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Reactive wind slabs will develop with the incoming snow and wind. Some areas near the coast could receive upwards of 30 cm, making slab avalanches very likely.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2018 2:00PM