This forecast was created using limited field data. If you are out in the mountains, please consider sending us your observations or posting on our new website.
Summary
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
A frontal system is expected to bring around 10-15mm of precipitation to the North Coast inland on Tuesday. Another 5-10mm is possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Freezing levels on Tuesday are expected to be 800-1000m with strong-to-extreme winds from the SW in the alpine. On Wednesday, precipitation should taper off in the morning with freezing levels around 500m and winds easing to moderate NW in the alpine. Christmas day looks to be a mix of sun and clouds with freezing levels near valley bottom and moderate winds in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
We received a report on Sunday from the Hankin area of a natural size 1 slab avalanche. This occurred on a north aspect at treeline. The crown depth was around 20cm and it failed on the most recent rain crust. Check out the report here: http://goo.gl/WdmvxL
Snowpack Summary
The weekend storm slab is between 20-40 cm deep. Very strong winds have transported snow in the alpine and at treeline into pockets of windslab that may not be well bonded to the old surfaces. Below the new snow you'll likely find wind-scoured surfaces and old wind slabs in exposed terrain, and settled storm snow closer to treeline. Near the base of the snowpack, weaknesses such as the mid-November crust-facet layer are still of concern. I'd use extra caution around steep, unsupported high elevation terrain as avalanches at this interface could propagate over wide distances.
rbuhler,
Avalanche Canada
