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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2024–Dec 20th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
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

Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Spearhead, Tantalus.

Continuously monitor conditions as you move through terrain.

Storm slabs will likely be more reactive at higher elevations.

Wet loose avalanches are possible as the freezing level rises.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Many natural and explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on Wednesday. The majority of these avalanches occurred at treeline however a few occurred in the alpine. Avalanches were observed on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

By early morning on the 20th another 15 to 30 mm of precipitation could have fallen. Below treeline the majority of this precipitation will likely fall as rain, saturating the upper snowpack. At treeline and above most of this precipitation will fall as snow. This new snow will be  accompanied by southerly winds likely forming deep deposits on northerly aspects.

A prominent crust with facets above from early December is down 90 to 140 cm at treeline. A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline at this depth.

The lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Thursday NightMostly cloudy with 15 to 30 mm of mixed precipitation. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.FridayCloudy with 5 to 15 mm of mixed precipitation. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 2100 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 mm of mixed precipitation. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Don't let storm day fever lure you into consequential terrain.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will likely remain sensitive to rider traffic. At lower elevations, where precip is likely to fall as rain, wet loose avalanches are possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5