Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2017 3:55PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Don't let your guard down with the sunny weather and fresh snow. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We'll have fine weather for the foreseeable future. Significant warming begins Wednesday afternoon.Wednesday: Sunny and warm. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels 3000m. Alpine high temperatures to +2 Celsius.Thursday: Sunny and warm. Freezing levels around 3100 m. Light northwesterly winds. Alpine high temperatures to +3 Celsius. Friday: Sunny and warm. Freezing levels around 3200 m. Light northerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Little activity has been reported lately, although there are not many observers out there right now. In southern sections (Coquihalla), lingering small wind slabs are the primary concern. In the north of the region (Duffey Lake zone), small (Size 1), dry loose avalanches have been reported in steep terrain at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-50 cm of snow from last week sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features, primarily in the south of the region (Coquihalla area). Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.

Problems

Loose Wet

Conditions will be more like spring than winter later this week. Surface snow layers can become weak when hit by the sun. Minimize your exposure to terrain traps - even small sluffs can push you into dangerous terrain.

Use extra caution on sunny slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs are possible in steep terrain behind ridge lines, especially in the south of the region (Coquihalla area). On steep slopes, the new snow may not bond well to the underlying crust.

Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use increased caution in downwind areas. Recent snowfall and wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2017 2:00PM