Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 14th, 2018–Dec 15th, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

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

Regions: South Coast.

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

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.

Avalanche 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