Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2018 3:58PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

20-25cm of new snow at upper elevations in the southern portion of the region will require a few days to settle and stabilize.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries and clear periods / Moderate northwest wind / Alpine temperature -6 CSUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks / Moderate northwest wind / Alpine temperature -5 C MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light north wind / Alpine temperature -5 CTUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / Alpine Temperature -3

Avalanche Summary

Reports are limited, but no avalanches have been reported in past few days.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow combined with wind and warm temperatures has promoted the development of storm slabs. Thickest deposits will be found in the lee of terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer buried 100 to 150 cm has the potential to produce large avalanches. This layer is likely most problematic in the north of the region and possibly the far south, around treeline and lower alpine elevations.

Cornices are large and looming, and could trigger persistent slabs on slopes below.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2018 2:00PM