Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2015 7:22AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

The storm continues! Freezing levels are forecast to fall improving conditions but don't let your guard down just yet.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

Heavy precipitation is forecast to continue but the exciting news is that freezing levels are forecast to drop. WEDNESDAY 10-30cm of snow, light to moderate southeast wind, freezing level falling to 1500m. THUSDAY 5-25cm of snow, light southerly wind, freezing level at 1000m. FRIDAY: 10-20cm of new snow, light to moderate southwesterly wind, freezing level at 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been reports of a widespread natural avalanche activity from the Whistler area that is likely indicative of what is going on in the rest of the Sea to Sky region. This cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

It's been snowing hard above 2200m where deep storm slabs are developing. At lower elevations heavy rain has saturated the snowpack. In addition, strong southwesterly winds have loaded snow well into lee features both in the alpine and at tree-line. Below tree-line snow depths are probably still below threshold for avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The reactivity of the storm snow should decrease as freezing levels fall, however, slab avalanches are still likely in steep unsupported terrain and wind loaded features.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 40 degrees.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2015 2:00PM