Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2018 3:11PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Strong shifting wind will increase the danger at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Light snowfall starting overnight with accumulations up to 10 cm near the coast and less inland, strong wind out of the south, freezing level climbing to 500 m.SATURDAY: Light flurries easing off throughout the day with accumulations of 1-3 cm, strong wind out of the south, freezing level climbing to 800 m.SUNDAY: A second storm pulse brings 10-20 cm of snow, freezing level steady around 1000 m, strong wind out of the south.MONDAY: Ongoing flurries with another 5 cm of snow, moderate to strong wind out of the southwest, freezing level around 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN) this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

We currently have very limited snowpack observations, but expect an average snow depth of 70-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.There were reports of feathery surface hoar growing on the surface last weekend in the neighboring Northwest Inland region (see this MIN report) and in Ningunsaw to the north. However, recent outflow winds have likely changed the snow surface conditions and formed stiff wind slabs in open terrain. A hard crust has been reported 10-15 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out the MIN report from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace (here).

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
With the incoming storms expect all open terrain to be wind affected. Watch for reactive wind slabs in alpine terrain and near ridgetops.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2018 2:00PM

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