Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2015 7:47AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Rising freezing levels, heavy precipitation, and strong winds are a recipe for High avalanche danger!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A series of powerful storms are going to wallop the coast over the coming days bringing heavy precipitation and strong winds that should spill over into the inland regions. Unfortunately the freezing level could rise as high as 2200m on Tuesday. However, higher elevations could see snowfall accumulations of up to 40cm. Freezing levels are forecast to fall back to 1500m for the remained of the forecast period with another 40cm expected by Friday. Winds will be moderate from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle is expected to continue as a series of storms pummels the coast range over the next couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

We're still dealing with a limited set of observations and it sounds like there is quite a lot of variability across the region. It's been snowing hard above 1500m forming deep storm slabs at tree-line and in the alpine. The new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack in the Duffy whereas pre-storm reports from the Coquihalla described a shallower early season snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Heavy snowfall will result in a widespread avalanche cycle.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2015 2:00PM

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