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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 3rd, 2019–Dec 4th, 2019

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

Regions

Sea To Sky.

An intense storm passing through the region will leave fresh storm slabs primed for human triggering.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Heavy snowfall overnight with 20-35 cm by the morning, 50-80 km/h wind from the southwest, snow line around 1200 m, alpine temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Snow ending in the morning and then cloudy in the afternoon, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.

FRIDAY: 5-10 cm of snow, 40 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -1 C.

Avalanche Summary

Minimal avalanche activity has been reported over the past week as the snowpack is generally thin and the weather has been benign. That is changing as significant amounts of new snow and wind are expected to form fresh slabs this week. The greatest concern will be in wind affected terrain and where the snow falls onto smooth surfaces (such as areas where there is enough snow to cover rocks and trees).

Snowpack Summary

A stormy week will bring much needed snow to the Sea to Sky region. A total of 20-35 cm of fresh snow is possible by Wednesday morning, with deeper deposits in wind affected terrain. The new snow will cover firm wind pressed snow and hard crusts. Typical snowpack depths in the alpine currently range between 50 and 150 cm, depending on the amount of wind affect. Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation with minimal snow below 1800 m.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.