Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 13 – 14, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Thanks to all the great folks who have shared their field observations on our Mountain Information Network!

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Natural activity has tapered-off, but human-triggered storm slab avalanches remain a concern, especially in high elevation lee terrain. I'd give the snowpack a few days to adjust to the load of the new snow before pushing into any steep alpine lines.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations on Sunday

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud is expected for the forecast period, although light flurries are possible on Tuesday. Ridge top winds should remain generally light and northwesterly with freezing levels hovering between 500m and 800m. For a more detailed weather overview, check-out the Mountain Weather Forecast at: avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported on Saturday or Sunday. This likely speaks to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. I'm sure there was a round of natural storm slab activity in response to new snow and wind on Saturday. If you have any observations to share, please consider trying our Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of new snow has be shifted by southerly winds into deeper and potentially reactive storm slabs in lee terrain. At lower elevations, reports suggest there is much less wind effect and therefore less cohesion in the newly formed slab. A hard rain crust can be found in the upper snowpack up to the 2200m elevation. Recent tests suggest an improving bond at this interface; however, I'd dig and test this layer before committing to any steeper lines.

Regions covered