Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Dec 20 – 21, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Carefully assess conditions as you gain elevation. At elevations where precipitation fell as snow storm slabs are possible, where precip fell as rain the problem is most likely wet loose.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Rider triggerable storm slab could form in the alpine where new precipitation may have fallen as snow.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    With sustained high freezing levels wet loose avalanches are possible on steep slopes at all elevations. These avalanches will be more likely at upper elevations where new snow could get rained on.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in this region.

If you do head into the backcountry please submit any observations and or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

New precipitation could fall as snow in the alpine and upper treeline. This new snow could form wind slab near ridge crests in the alpine. Below treeline the snow surface will likely be moist.

The mid and lower snowpack is made up of a series of crusts and rounded grains. The snowpack is generally well consolidated.

Overall, the snow depth remains shallow, creating challenging travel conditions and hiding early season hazards just below the snow surface.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 15 to 30 mm of mixed precipitation expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm of mixed precipitation expected, south alpine wind 10 to 35 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5mm of rain possible, south alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 2000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with around 30 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, freezing level around 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.

Regions covered