Avalanche Forecast
South Coast Inland
Shady slopes offer the best snow, but watch out for new wind slabs that may have formed at higher elevations.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid wind-loaded pockets near ridges.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Friday. Numerous small loose wet avalanches (size 1) were observed on steep south and west-facing slopes on Wednesday and Thursday. Glide avalanches were observed on steep, smooth rock slabs to size 2 around the Coquihalla on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Warm air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced new localized wind slabs on northerly lee features. Wind slabs are expected to be found in areas without surface crusts, where loose snow was available to be transported by the wind. In shady slopes, surface hoar to 20 mm and near-surface faceting have been observed around treeline and in the alpine. Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures. The recent snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust which is now 30-50 cm deep. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, strong southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2500 m with inversion conditions. Chance of light precipitation in the northwestern portion of the region, accumulation trace to 2 mm.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3200 m with inversion conditions.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light to moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 3500 m with inversion conditions.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, moderate southwesterly winds, freezing level around 2200 m with inversion conditions.
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Increased winds from the south may have produced new wind slabs, particularly behind ridges in alpine terrain. Be cautious of firm snow when entering lee features.