Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2016 4:38PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

An Incoming storm will deliver heavy snowfall to higher elevations in the region on Friday. Expect dangerous avalanche conditions if you are in an area where new snow is accumulating.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: A storm will impact the South Coast mountains, dropping 25-40cm of new snow at higher elevations. Strong southwest winds will accompany the storm. Winds, snowfall, and a freezing level of up to 1600 metres will peak together in the late afternoon. SATURDAY: 5-10cm of new snow over the day with moderate southwest winds. Freezing level to 1000m. SUNDAY: Clearing in the morning and no new snow, winds light from the northwest, and freezing level to 700 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported but forecast snowfall and wind on Friday will create dangerous avalanche conditions at higher elevations in the South Coast mountains. If you have been out in the mountains, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Forecast snowfall and wind on Friday will create deep, widespread, and very touchy storm slabs as low as treeline elevation. At higher elevations, this new snow will overlie existing storm slabs which are rapidly gaining strength. Total snowpack depths are likely around 160cm at treeline and over 2 metres at higher elevations. Aside from instabilities in storm snow, warm temperatures are promoting rapid settlement and strengthening of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

While existing storm slabs are quickly strengthening, forecast snow and wind from an incoming storm will create a fresh storm slab avalanche problem at higher elevations.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2016 2:00PM