Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2018 4:54PM

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

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Significant snowfall is forecasted and will drive up avalanche hazard. For now, avalanche hazard is confined to the high elevations where snow has accumulated.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Snow, accumulation between 25-35 cm, increasing south wind, freezing level below 1000mTUESDAY: Wet snow, accumulating 35-45 cm, strong southwest wind shifting west, freezing level rising to 1400m in afternoonWEDNESDAY: Snow, accumulating up to 55 cm, moderate wind with very strong gusts, freezing level 900 mTHURSDAY: Snow, accumulating up to 45 cm, light south wind with strong to extreme gusts, freezing level rising to 1500m

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the region. Please submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here.

Snowpack Summary

Snow has begun to accumulate at higher elevations. Initially, this new snow is not expected to bond well with a recently buried crust.Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, the new snow covered up to of 70 cm settled snow. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. A series of storms over the course of the week may deposit enough snow at treeline and lower elevations to make avalanches possible and improve early season travel conditions.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Hazard is currently confined to higher elevations in the region where new snow fell on old snow. As more snow falls at lower elevations, use caution on steep and open slopes and above terrain traps.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2018 2:00PM