Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2015 7:58AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Thanks to everybody who has contributed to the MIN! Your observations help backcountry travelers make better decisions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure has set up over the province and will bring mainly clear skies for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds should remain light while freezing levels should hover around valley bottom for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1.5 wind slabs were triggered by ski-cutting in the Duffey Lake area on Sunday. They occurred on a northwest aspect in alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Since Saturday, about 10-20cm of low-density snow has fallen. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Recent field reports suggest deeper snowpack weaknesses have now gained considerable strength, and the mid and lower snowpack are considered to be generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

A dusting of low-density snow may be hiding small wind slabs which formed during the last few days. Watch for triggering in high elevation lee terrain.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2015 2:00PM