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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2024–Dec 19th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Spearhead, Tantalus.

Continuously monitor conditions as you move through terrain.

Storm slabs will likely be more reactive at higher elevations.

Wet loose avalanches are possible as the freezing level rises.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Ski cutting at the end of the day on Tuesday produced small storm slab avalanches. We suspect a natural avalanche cycle took place overnight on December 17th during the peak of the storm.

If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

By early morning on the 18th 30 to 60 cm of snow fell in less than 24 hours. This new snow was accompanied by strong variable wind.

A prominent crust from early December is down 80 to 140 cm at treeline. A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline at this depth.

The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 25 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 10 to 25 cm of snow expected at treeline and above. 40 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 mm of rain expected. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with light rain. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs could form throughout the day. At lower elevations, where precip is likely to fall as rain, wet loose avalanches are possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3