Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2014 7:51AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Peter, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A series of weather systems are forecast over the next few days. The heaviest precipitation is confined to the coast but we could see decent amounts trickle into inland areas.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Saturday: Cloudy with flurries, showers, or freezing rain. The freezing level is around 800-1000 m but we could see an above freezing layer (AFL) aloft. Ridge winds are moderate from the S-SW. Sunday: Probably a drier day. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m. Winds are moderate from the southwest. Monday: Cloudy with flurries or showers. The freezing level is around 1200 m with a possible AFL and winds are moderate from the S-SW.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches. Please let us know what you're seeing out there at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 cm of new snow now covers the previous variable snow surface that consisted of facets (dry sugary snow) and surface hoar in sheltered areas, or pockets of old wind slab and an ice crust in open wind-exposed terrain (depending on aspect). Fresh new wind slabs may have formed in open north and east facing slopes, especially below ridges and behind terrain features in the alpine. A weak layer of facetted snow on a crust may be lurking deeper in the snowpack, but may be limited to slopes above treeline. There's limited recent info on this weakness so I recommend digging to confirm the existence of the layer, its depth, and to test its strength. Snow pack depth and snow quality drastically diminishes as you drop below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast snowfall amounts are only light but with moderate or strong winds we could see fresh wind slabs form in open lee terrain. The new snow may not bond well to the underlying snow surface.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2014 2:00PM