Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 4 – 5, 2011Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Watch for windslabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects. Wind slab sensitivity will likely increase to "Touchy" on slopes receiving direct sun, especially in the afternoon.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4
    Weak layers of facets and depth hoar are lurking deep in the snowpack in some parts of the region. While the chance of triggering is lessening, you're most likely to awaken this sleeping dragon in steep rocky terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

High pressure is currently dominating the weather throughout the province. Freezing levels rocket to 3000m as an inversion creeps into the region & winds at ridge top are forecasted to be light out of the NW. A weak disturbance moves into the area Tuesday night continuing through Wednesday bringing a small amount of precipitation & lowering freezing levels. The dreaded ridge of high pressure builds back into the area on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations. We have had limited info from this region. Any field reports are welcome and can be sent to [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs probably still exist in lee and crossloaded terrain. Use increased caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during forecast warming periods.There is a solid rain crust, down 15-30cm below 1800m, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of avalanches at lower elevations.A surface hoar layer has been observed down approximately 45cm in the Duffey Lake area and more is growing on the current snow surface. A facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to give sudden collapse ("drops") results in snowpack tests. These layers have not produced any avalanches that I am aware of, but it makes sense to keep them on your radar.Continued caution is recommended in shallow, unsupported snowpack areas (lots of rocks or small trees poking through), especially on sun exposed slopes if the sun has any kick.

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