Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2017 4:01PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Don't let your guard down with the sunny weather and fresh snow. Take a cautious approach towards more aggressive terrain - especially steep, wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Fine weather for the foreseeable future. Significant warming begins Tuesday afternoon.Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Freezing levels around 700 m. Light northwesterly winds.Tuesday: Mainly sunny and becoming warm up high. Freezing levels rising to 1500 m. Light northerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny and warm. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels 3000m. Alpine high temperatures to +2 Celsius!

Avalanche Summary

Little activity has been reported lately, although there are not many observers out there right now. Small wind slabs are the most likely type of avalanche over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-50 cm of new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs are possible in steep terrain behind ridge lines. On steep slopes, the new snow may not bond well to the underlying crust.

Be alert to changing snow conditions, especially where the snow firms up or sounds hollow.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use increased caution in lee areas. Recent snowfall and wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2017 2:00PM