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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 15th, 2024–Dec 16th, 2024

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

Regions

Sea To Sky, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Spearhead.

Carefully assess terrain and avoid areas below ridgelines with deep pillows of freshly loaded snow.

Stick to lower-angle terrain and reduce exposure to overhead hazard throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanche reports from Saturday indicate activity across all aspects, primarily in treeline terrain, during the storm. Most avalanches were small storm slabs (size 1), but due to limited visibility, it is suspected that larger avalanches likely occurred in higher and more expansive terrain.

If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow amounts have average around 30 cm and in the most western reaches of the region exceed 50 cm. This new snow has accumulated on various surfaces, including surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain at treeline and below, thin melt-freeze crust on south-facing alpine slopes, and old storm snow at higher elevations. Above 1200 m, a crust of concern is now estimated to be down 35 to 65 cm. The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled with no layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clearing. 10 to 15 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

Monday

Snow 5 to 10 cm . 20-40 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 500 m

Tuesday

Snow flurries 1 to 5 cm. 30-60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Wednesday

Snow and rain 30 to 70 mm. 60-80 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.

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.

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.