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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2018–Dec 22nd, 2018

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

Regions

South Coast.

Snowfall on Saturday may easily slide on a crust formed from Thursday's rain. Before committing to avalanche terrain, observe for the bond between the new snow and the crust.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, freezing level 600m. SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature -1°c, freezing level rising to 1000m. SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 40 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, treeline temperature 0°c, freezing level 1100m. MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, treeline temperature 0°c, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches in the region. In the neighbouring Sea to Sky region, many natural and explosive-controlled avalanches have been reported through the last several days in alpine terrain. Similar avalanche activity is likely to be found at high elevations in the South Coast region.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures have frozen the rain that fell on Thursday, producing a thick melt-freeze crusts at most elevations. The exception is in the alpine near Squamish, where most of the precipitation likely fell as snow. New snow on Saturday will fall on these surfaces. The new snow may not bond well to the crust. At alpine elevations, substantial amounts of snowfall have produced storm slabs, with the thickest being in lee terrain features. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.

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.