Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 20th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. Where precipitation fell as snow, storm slabs are possible.
At low elevations, you'll find a wet and compacted snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in this region.
If you do head into the backcountry please consider submitting observations and/or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Light, mixed precipitation continues. In terrain where more than 20 cm of storm snow has accumulated, small storm slabs may avalanche under the weight of a human. At treeline and below precipitation is likely to fall as rain, keeping the snow surface moist.
The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.
Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. Light rain expected, snow above 1500 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C.
Thursday
Cloudy. Light rain expected, 5-10 cm snow above 1500 m. Areas around Powell River may get moderate rain or 20 cm of snow. Moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0°C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 20-30 cm of new snow expected above 1000 m. Strong southwest ridgetop wind overnight, becoming moderate northwest through the day. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Rider triggerable storm slab could form in the alpine and down into upper treeline where new precipitation may have fallen as snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 21st, 2023 4:00PM
