Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2013 7:35AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Precipitation: Nill. Alpine temperature: High -12. Ridge Winds: Moderate northerly. Freezing level at valley bottom.Tuesday: Mainly cloudy. Precipitation: Nill. Alpine temperature: High -9. Ridge Winds: Light westerlies. Freezing level: 300m.Wednesday: Mainly cloudy. Precipitation: Flurries. Alpine temperature: High -3. Ridge Winds: Moderate westerlies gusting to strong. Freezing level: 1100m.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of recent avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region with 160cm at treeline in the Cascades but 50 cm along the Duffy. Terrain below treeline is still mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Arctic outflow winds have redistributed the snows that fell last week forming wind slabs on S to SW slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Surface hoar has been growing over the last week in protected locations near tree line while the cold temperatures have driven faceting throughout the snowpack.A few crusts can be found near the ground, especially at higher higher elevations. There haven’t been any reports of avalanches on these layers, but they're worth looking for it if you dig a pit.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2013 2:00PM