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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 4th, 2013–Dec 5th, 2013
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Be cautious on all wind exposed slopes at tree line and above

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Arctic air will dominate the region for the next few days,  Temperatures to -20c reported in the alpine at 2000 M. Freezing level at the surface in the valley bottoms.  Expect little change for the next week until the arctic high moves out of the area.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of new avalanche activity. This most likely reflects the low number of observations rather than actual conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths vary greatly across the South coast inland area. Whistler reporting 180 cm in the alpine and 80 cm at the toe of the glaciers. Coquihalla  received 70 to 80cm in the last storm event.  Winds from the SW during the storm shifted to N-NE with the arrival of the arctic outflow and have produced some wind slabs on lee slopes. Terrain below treeline is reported to be mostly below threshold for avalanche activity and solid.Moderate to locally heavy (in the south) accumulations now overlie a generally well settled snowpack. A few crusts with faceting  may be found near the base of the snowpack, especially at higher higher elevations. No observations of avalanches on these crust/facet layers have been reported up to this time, but they are worth keeping an eye on. Expect surface facetting with the cold temps, and surface hoar on N. slopes protected from the wind.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall formed wind slabs on lee slopes during the storm on N and NE aspects. Arctic outflow wind following the storm has reverse loaded some features in the alpine and at tree line forming wind slabs on S and SW aspects.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Ensure everyone has essential avalanche gear and knows how to use it.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3