Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2012 8:37AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Light SW winds. Alpine temperatures around -8. No precipitation.Tuesday: Light to moderate SE winds. Alpine temperature around -7. Light snow late in the day.Wednesday: Light SW winds. Alpine temperature around -8. Light snow.

Avalanche Summary

Small wind slabs and fast running loose dry avalanches were observed on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slabs overlie a generally wellâ€“settled snowpack. Surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to have gained strength and are now less of a concern. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have shifted available snow into slabs behind ridges and ribs. These could be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be alert for areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>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 - 4

Loose Dry

The volume of loose dry snow could knock you over or carry you into a terrain trap. Be cautious in any steep terrain.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2012 2:00PM