The Canadian Avalanche Centre has put out a special bulletin addressing the avalanche hazard on the south coast. This forecast warns of an up coming storm and warming temperatures for this weekend. It can be found at
http://www.avalancheinfo.net/Media/2008-09/SPAW%20081224%20South%20Coast.pdf.
Precipitation has been locally heavier that predicted in many areas around the South Coast and reports of avalanches on logging and other access roads (as low as 200meters above sea level) are starting to filter in. These avalanches are starting at and below treeline. Precipitation will continue into the early morning, loading slopes further. According to local forecasts, tomorrow (Christmas day), parts of the lower mainland will warm to above freezing and the sun will start to poke through mid morning. Avalanche hazard will climb rapidly if this happens.
Due to localized heavy snowfall in some areas of the Fraser Valley and Sea to Sky corridor, the avalanche hazard may increase sooner than forecasted. It appears the CAC will put out another avalanche bulletin tomorrow for the south coast. Read it here: http://avalanche.ca/CAC_Bulletin_Regions.
I'll be tip toeing around the hills this holiday season.
Happy Holidays,
Conny Amelunxen
MG ACMG/IFMGA
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