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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 16th, 2014–Dec 17th, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

This bulletin was produced using very little field data. Click the Avalanche Information tab at the top of the page and share your backcountry observations!

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will see a mix of sun and cloud with generally light southwest winds. By Thursday afternoon a stronger weather system will impact the region bringing more steady snowfall and strong southwest winds. Freezing levels will hover around valley bottom on Wednesday rising to 800 metres for the rest of the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

A few natural size 1 wind slabs were reported from the far north of the region. They occurred on south/southwest facing terrain and likely formed in response to redistribution of surface snow by recent strong northerly winds

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include wind slabs in alpine terrain, hard rain crusts at lower elevations and weak surface hoar crystals. Last week's heavy rain affected southern parts of the region up to alpine elevations, while the far north remained drier and sports a weaker snowpack in general. Areas which previously received rain have probably now formed a hard frozen crust. Upper elevation terrain and far northern areas are likely to have wind slabs and large fragile cornices. Deeper in the snowpack, weaknesses such as the mid-November crust-facet layer still exist. Avalanches at this interface have become unlikely, although the consequences of a release remain high. This layer may be more sensitive to triggering in steep, unsupported high alpine terrain, or in the far north of the region.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are likely to exist on a variety of aspects and rider triggering is possible in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2