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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2024–Dec 22nd, 2024

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

Regions

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

The rain is finally turning to snow and reactive storm slabs will build through the day.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche reports in this region.

Reactive storm slabs will likely build during the day at upper elevations.

Observations have been limited. Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of new storm snow may fall at treeline and above by Sunday afternoon. This new snow will be accompanied by strong southerly winds which will form deeper deposits on northerly aspects.

Below treeline expect to find a slushy and rain soaked snowpack. As temperatures fall the snowpack will freeze and dry, likely producing a uniform and cohesive snowpack capped by a crust.

Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 200 to 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday night

Cloudy with light rain, 5 to 10 mm. 40 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

Heavy precipitation, mix rain and snow at treeline and above 20 to 35 mm by the afternoon. 50 to 80 km/h with gusts exceeding 120 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Monday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. Mix rain and snow, 5 to 10 mm. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 10 to 25 mm. 60 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.

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.