Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2016 4:02PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

New storm slabs are expected to form on Saturday night. Pay close attention to how much snow falls in your riding area, and be prepared to back off to mellow terrain.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Saturday night and early Sunday morning: 10-25cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Alpine temperatures at -8. Sunday: Generally clearing skies / Light north winds / Alpine temperatures at -12. Monday: Clear skies / Light variable winds / Alpine temperatures at -12. Tuesday: Clear skies / Light north winds / Alpine temperatures at -14

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported but new snowfall and wind from Friday has likely created fresh storm slabs at higher elevations in the South Coast mountains. Any rainfall on new snow at lower elevations may have triggered loose wet avalanches on steeper terrain. If you have been out in the mountains, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

15-20cm of new snow and strong winds have formed fresh storm slabs at alpine and treeline elevations while rain may have saturated the snowpack at lower elevations. At higher elevations, the new snow overlies existing storm slabs which are rapidly strengthening. Total snowpack depths are likely around 160cm at treeline and over 2 metres at higher elevations. Aside from instabilities in storm snow, warm temperatures are promoting rapid settlement and strengthening of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New snow has created a fresh storm slab avalanche problem at higher elevations. Storm slabs are expected to be deepest and most reactive in high elevation, wind-exposed terrain.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2016 2:00PM