Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 17, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It is all about the freezing level. Precipitation will be steady over the next few days. Avalanche danger will increase as you gain elevation where the precipitation is more likely to be falling as snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Hazard is primarily at higher elevations where more than 15 cm of snow accumulates. If you cross avalanche paths, consider what is above!

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    The forecast calls for a fluctuating freezing level. As a result, rain falling on recent new snow, may result in surface snow weakening and sluffing in steep terrain.

Confidence

Low - Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY Night: Around 15-25 mm rain / 15-25 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level 1200 m. Moderate southerly winds.MONDAY: Around 5-10 mm rain / 5-10 cm snow at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1500 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.TUESDAY: Around 25-35 mm of rain / 25-35 cm snow at higher elevations / Moderate southwest winds. Freezing level 1500 mWEDNESDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm / Light southerly winds / Freezing level 1000 m

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region; however, in the neighbouring Sea to Sky region numerous natural and explosives controlled avalanches have been reported through the weekend. Similar avalanche activity could likely be found at high elevations in the South Coast region. The latest storm will start a fresh round of direct action avalanches on steeper or leeward facing slopes at upper elevations where more than 20 or 30 cm of snow accumulates.

Snowpack Summary

Recent precipitation has come as rain resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely still exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of last week's extreme winds. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm.

Regions covered