Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2015 9:02AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

This bulletin was published using limited data. Regional snowpack variability likely exists, so be your own forecaster and make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Light flurries are forecast for Tuesday. A mix of sun and cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday morning with light snowfall developing by Thursday evening. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly moderate from the northwest with freezing levels hovering around 500m for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanche activity. This may speak more to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. If you've been out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

40-50cm of snow from last weekend's storm was shifted by strong winds into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. In the Coquihalla area, reports suggest weak surface hoar may exist below the recent storm snow, although there is some uncertainty as to its distribution and reactivityBelow 2200m, a hard rain crust can be found approximately 100cm below the surface. Avalanches failing below this crust are unlikely.

Problems

Storm Slabs

In the Coquihalla area, weak surface hoar crystals may exist about 50cm below the surface. I'd dig down and test for this weakness before committing to any steep slopes.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2015 2:00PM