Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2013 8:41AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Cold and mostly clear skies are expected for the forecast period as a dry arctic air mass becomes firmly embedded over British Columbia. Ridgetop temperatures are expected to hover around -14 on Wednesday and Thursday, and then drop to about -20 on Friday. Expect periods of moderate north/northeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

There is no new avalanche activity to report. This most likely reflects the low number of observations rather than actual conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the region. There is about 70cm of snow at 1600m in the Duffy Lake area. Due to this weekend's storm there is likely more than double that at the same elevation in the Coquihalla area. Terrain below treeline is reported to be mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.Moderate to locally heavy (in the south) accumulations now overlie a generally well settled snowpack. Due to more recent northerly winds, much of this new snow may have been shifted into new windslabs on south-facing slopes.Closer to the base of the snowpack you may find a few crusts which may have associated facets at higher elevations. Observers are not identifying any of these as cause for concern at this time, although they might be worth exploring.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Due to strong northerly winds, expect to find pockets of new windslab on south-facing terrain..

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2013 2:00PM