Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 9 – 10, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The storm continues! Conditions are improving but don't let your guard down just yet.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Slab avalanches are still possible, especially in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features below 2200m where the new snow maybe sitting on a crust.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

This weather pattern is the gift that keeps on giving for the South Coast. THURSDAY: up to 10cm new snow, moderate south winds, freezing level at 1000m. FRIDAY: clear, moderate easterly winds, freezing level at 1000m. SATURDAY: another5-15cm, strong south winds, freezing level at 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle is being reported as a series of storms pummels the coast range.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 100cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations since the weekend. At lower elevations heavy rain on Tuesday probably formed a new crust that is now buried as deep as 30cm. Strong southerly winds have loaded lee features at ridge-top. The new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack in the Duffy whereas pre-storm reports from the Coquihalla described a shallower early season snowpack. Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches although I expect we'll be crossing that line soon.

Regions covered