Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Dec 13 – 14, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Significant variability exists in the top 100cm of the snowpack. Dig down and test for weak layers before committing to any steep or exposed lines.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridge crests.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Human triggered avalanches on a layer of buried surface hoar have become less likely. However, avalanches at this interface could be destructive in nature. Dig down and test for this weakness before committing to any steep lines.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud and moderate northwesterly winds on Monday. On Monday afternoon and Tuesday, a Pacific front will bring up to 15cm of snow and strong westerly winds. Generally clear skies and moderate northeasterly winds are forecast for Wednesday. Freezing levels may rise to 500m with the passage of the front. Otherwise, they should remain around valley bottom for the forecast period. For a more detailed weather overview, check-out our Mountain Weather Forecast at: avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to a meter of settled snow may be sitting upon a weak layer of buried surface hoar. In some areas, this layer may be primed for human triggering and wide propagations while in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. Due to the variable nature of this weak layer, I'd dig down to test for it before committing to any steep lines. I'd also be increasingly cautious on sheltered slopes at or below treeline.Strong north through easterly winds have been responsible for a recent reverse-loading pattern, and wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering on lee features.

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