Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 16th, 2020 8:09AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Persistent Slabs.
ross campbell,
All Winter Restricted Areas are CLOSED today!
Some avalanche paths ran full path last night and early this morning, stopping at valley bottom.
Summary
Weather Forecast
We're in store for an active weather week, with a series of fast moving storms set to move across BC.!
Today: 5-10cm new snow, mod-gusting strong wind from the SW, FL 900m
Tonight: 5-10cm new snow, strong wind from the SW, FL 800m
Thursday: 5cm new snow, moderate-gusting strong wind from the SW, FL 1000m
Snowpack Summary
Another 22cm of new snow brings our storm total to ~40cm in the last 48 hours. Strong winds from the Sth and mild temperatures have formed storm slabs at all elevations. Storm slabs have buried another Surface Hoar Layer (Dec 13th). The lower and mid snowpack is relatively strong, with the Nov 5th currently unreactive to stability tests or skiers.
Avalanche Summary
AVALANCHE ACTIVITY WILL ESCELATE TODAY! Several skier controlled very soft slab avalanches were reported from Mcgill Shoulder area yesterday. Small loose dry and slab avalanches were also reported yesterday on Avalanche Crest in a MIN report. Numerous avalanches have been detected or observed in the HWY corridor up to size 3 in the last 24 hours.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Another 22cm of new snow brings our storm total to ~40cm in the last 48 hours at Treeline. Strong winds from the Sth and mild temperatures have formed storm slabs at all elevations. Storm slabs are failing on the Dec 13th Surface Hoar Layer.
- Convex features and steep unsupported slopes will be most prone to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Sluffing continues to be a concern with significant amounts of new snow over the last 24 hours. Loose dry avalanches will have enough mass to push riders around in steep terrain. Extra care is required around cliffs and confined gullies.
- Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
60cm sits on the Dec 7th weak interface of rain crust/sun crust/surface hoar combo. Our new storm slab could easily step down to this interface, significantly increasing the size and destructive potential.
- Persistent slabs may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar asp where it sits on sun crust
- Caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline and below, buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 17th, 2020 8:00AM
