Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 15 – 16, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

 Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) rider triggered wind slabs were reported in this region on Monday.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, southerly winds / Low of -3 C / Freezing level 500 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwesterly winds / High of 1 C / Freezing level 600 m.

FRIDAY: Increasing cloudiness / Light, westerly winds / High of -1 C / Freezing level 500 m.

SATURDAY: Snow/rain; 65-75 mm / Extreme, southwesterly winds / High of 3 C / Freezing level 1300 m.

Snowpack Summary

Shifting wind directions on Thursday may form fresh wind slabs on numerous aspects.

30-40 cm of recent snow has buried the early December crust layers. The snowpack is generally well-settled and strong below these layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Regions covered