Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2015 8:17AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Avalanche danger is rising due to the on-going storm. If you are out in the mountains, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of warm Pacific storms are forecast to move into the region over the next few days. Expect 5-10 mm of precipitation by Wednesday morning combined with strong southerly winds and rising freezing levels. The next storm should hit the coast on Wednesday evening and continue through most of Thursday. Friday should be another lull between storms.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. New storm slabs are expected to develop that may not bond well to the old surfaces.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast storm snow is likely to build slabs, which may bond poorly to the current cornucopia of surfaces including hard slabs, crusts, facets and large surface hoar crystals. The snowpack is highly variable across different aspects and elevations. There is anywhere from 30-150 cm on the ground. Previous northerly outflow winds scoured upwind slopes back to a firm crust, and created wind slabs on lee aspects, which are gradually gaining strength. Shallow snowpack areas may be rotten (facetted).

Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs are expected to develop due to forecast new snow and wind. These slabs may be easily triggered by light additional loads.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2015 2:00PM