South Coast

Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.

Stepping out into big terrain with good travel habits and group management is appropriate.

High

• The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, small wet loose avalanches and sluffing were observed on solar aspects.

Up to 5 cm of new snow is expected by Friday morning. This new snow will overlie a crust on all aspects and elevations except high north facing terrain.

In some areas, a crust formed on Christmas Eve can be found 30 to 50 cm below the surface.

The Mid December crust is found down 1 to 2 meters. In general the snowpack is right-side up and well settled.

Thursday Night

Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline and above. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow at treeline and above. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy. 40 to 70 cm of snow at treeline and above. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Sunday

Cloudy. 30 to 50 cm of snow at treeline and above. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.