Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2013 8:57AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Significant snow and rain will likely result in a large and destructive avalanche cycle.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A return to a heavy precipitation pattern is expected as the North Coast feels the brunt of a strong Pacific frontal system. Tonight and Wednesday: Heavy snow turning to rain: 30 to 40cm overnight with another 20 to 30cm Wednesday. Freezing levels: 800m rising to 150m Wednesday morning. Strong to extreme ridge top winds from the south.Thursday: Heavy precipitation. Freezing levels: between 1500m to 2500m. Strong to extreme ridgetop winds from the south.Friday: Periods of snow: Freezing levels falling. Winds forecast to diminish from the southwest.Special Notice: Our radar has just picked-up what appears to be a flying sleigh. Our forecasters believe the sleigh belongs to Santa as it is being pulled by at least 8 reindeer. The sleigh is now in the far north of the province at the 2000m elevation and is currently headed south. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Avalanche Summary

The peak period of natural activity for the last storm cycle seems to have passed although explosive control continues to produce size 2 avalanche in the storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

The weekends storm brought between 50 to 90cm to the region. With lots of snow available for transport strong westerly winds have likely loaded lee features at upper elevations. In many places these winds slabs sit on top of touchy surface hoar from December 22.. The mid pack features several persistent weak layers that at this point have likely gained strength. The most noteworthy of theses may be the early December surface hoar and crust found in the top 100cm in areas with a shallower snowpack where it could still be a player. Below this the mid pack is composed of deteriorating layers of old facets and crusts. A significant basal facet and crust combo lingers near the ground and is most prevalent on NW - E facing aspects at the upper TL and alpine elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The snow pack will see another heavy load tomorrow with heavy snow fall and rising freezing levels. Travel only in gentle well supported terrain free of overhead hazard.

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>A very conservative approach is essential at this time.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The only terrain suitable for back country travel tomorrow is very gentle terrain free of overhead hazard.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2013 2:00PM