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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 8th, 2022–Dec 9th, 2022

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

Regions

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Avalanche conditions may become increasingly reactive Friday afternoon as the wind ramps up and loads fresh snow into leeward terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations are limited this time of year.

If you head into the backcountry please submit a MIN report! They are extremely helpful to us in the early season when snowpack information is limited.

Snowpack Summary

As winds pick up Friday afternoon, 20-30 cm of fresh snow will likely be loaded into lee terrain features. This recent snow may sit over a surface crust on south aspects and low elevations.

80 to 100 cm of snow can be found in the alpine, with wind-loaded areas up to 150 cm. Many lower elevation areas remain below threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Thursday night

Isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 700m.

Friday

5-10 cm new snow. Moderate southerly ridgetop wind increasing to 60 km/h in the afternoon. Alpine temperature high of -5. Freezing level around 500m.

Saturday

15-25 cm new snow. Ridgetop winds 60-80 km/h from the south peaking in the morning. Alpine temperature high of 0. Freezing level rising to 1100 m.

Sunday

Clearing. Calm. Alpine temperature high of -1. Freezing level around 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.