Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2017 3:14PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

The lure of powder slopes and sunny skies will be strong on Sunday. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We'll see a clearing trend on Sunday and fine weather during the week.Sunday: Clearing in the morning and then dry with some sunny breaks. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing levels 800m.Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Freezing levels around 600 m. Light northwesterly winds.Tuesday: Mainly sunny and becoming warm up high. Freezing levels rising to 2000 m. Light northerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Little activity has been reported lately, although there are not many observers out there right now. Small wind slabs are the most likely type of avalanche over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-50 cm of new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. On Saturday, moderate southeast winds in the south (Coquihalla) were reported, whilst moderate southwest winds were reported in the north (Duffey lake zone). The take home message is that southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.Treeline snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs are possible in steep terrain behind ridge lines. On steep slopes, the new snow may not bond well to the underlying crust.

Use increased caution in lee areas. Recent snowfall and wind loading have created wind slabs.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2017 2:00PM