Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2018 4:15PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Be mindful of avalanche conditions in alpine backcountry areas near Squamish. Watch for icy snow surfaces on the North Shore.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: 15-20 cm new snow, falling as rain below 1500 m. Strong southerly winds.SATURDAY: Flurries or light snow during the day. Freezing level around 900 m. Moderate westerly winds. SUNDAY: Around 25 mm rain / 25 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1600 m. Strong southerly winds.MONDAY: Around 15 mm rain / 15 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1500 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle to size 2 has occurred in the neighboring Sea to Sky region. Similar avalanche activity can be expected at higher elevations in the South Coast region.

Snowpack Summary

Recent rain-soaked snow will have frozen into a crust in many places by Saturday morning. At higher elevations near Squamish, it might be possible to find dry snow. For these areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of the extreme winds. Also note, it's likely the recent new snow has not bonded well to underlying surfaces.In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Hazard is currently confined to higher elevations in the region where there is no surface crust, or the crust is thin. Watch out especially for wind loaded alpine slopes.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesWatch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2018 2:00PM