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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 20th, 2019–Dec 21st, 2019

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

Regions

South Coast.

A substantial amount of snow fell across the region on Thursday and Friday. Conservative decision-making will be essential until this snow stabilizes.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1100 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall and afternoon clearing, accumulation 10 to cm, light southeast wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1000 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light west wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle likely occurred during the storm on Thursday and Friday, particularly at higher elevations and where smooth ground exists. A few skier-triggered avalanches were reported on Thursday, where the ground was smooth.

Snowpack Summary

Around 50 to 100 cm of snow fell in the past few days. Above around 1000 m, all of this likely fell as snow whereas rain has likely soaked the snow at lower elevations. Nonetheless, this substantial amount of new snow will require a few days to stabilize.

Terrain and Travel

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Choose gentle slopes without steep terrain above.

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.