Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2015 8:13AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Warm temperatures and increased loading may push the danger higher, especially in areas of wind loading. A BIG THANKS to the folks who are contributing to the MIN.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A low to the west of Haida Gwaii Â is bringing precipitation and strong SW winds to the forecast region over the next few days. Freezing levels are forecast to riseÂ above 1000m near the coast on Saturday afternoon and stay in that range through the beginning of next week.Â There should be a minor break in the weather on Monday afternoon before the next pulse of moisture arrives on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural activity in the forecast region, but Explosive controlled storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 and skier controlled cornice to size 2.0 on Thursday from north of Stewart.

Snowpack Summary

Recent MIN reports speak of storm slabs on lee slopes, with wet heavy snow below 850 metres. The distribution of surface hoar left after the recent clear weather is our biggest knowledge gap. New storm slabs are widespread and variable in depth. The north of the region has more snow than the south and the temperatures in the north have been cooler with lower freezing levels. If you any observations please submit them to the Mountain information Network (MIN) at www.avalanche.ca

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will continue to develop with increased precipitation and strong SW winds

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2015 2:00PM