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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 18th, 2018–Dec 19th, 2018

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast.

Another break between storms. Expect to see danger increase again as the next pacific frontal system impacts the region on Thursday.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Rain showers or flurries. Alpine temperature 0. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1200 m.WEDNESDAY: Scattered rain showers or flurries. Alpine temperature 0. Light west wind. Freezing level 1400 mTHURSDAY: Rain, accumulation 30-40 mm. Alpine temperature 2. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1900 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine temperature -4. Light west wind.  Freezing level 500 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 last several days. Similar avalanche activity could likely be found at high elevations in the South Coast region.

Snowpack Summary

Recent precipitation has come as rain again resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see storm snow from the past few days approaching 100cm with accompanied thick wind deposits in alpine lee terrain. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now well over 200 cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.