Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2015 7:40AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

New snow, northerly winds and cold arctic air are expected to increase the avalanche danger on Monday.Are you a member of Avalanche Canada? Join today at avalanche.ca/membership

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Cloud developing overnight combined with light southerly winds and freezing levels down to valley bottoms, and alpine temperatures around -10. Mostly cloudy on Sunday with light southwest winds and freezing levels rising up to about 1000 metres. Precipitation starting early Monday morning as cold arctic air descends from the northeast and collides with warmer moist air from the Pacific. Most areas are expected to see 5-10 cm of new snow, some areas in the southeast of the region may see enhanced snowfall.

Avalanche Summary

A skier triggered a size 1.0 steep un-supported pocket of windslab on a northwest aspect at treeline in the Selkirks.

Snowpack Summary

There is quite a bit of variability across the region in regards to new snow amounts. The surface is also variable with everything from dry new snow, loose facetted snow, windslabs, to sun crusts. There is 5-30 cm of facetted new snow and surface hoar above the mid-February crust. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer (up to 100 cm deep) and the mid-January surface hoar (80-120 cm deep) are generally dormant, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Triggering persistent slab avalanches has become unlikely, but may be possible with large loads like cornice falls. Periods of strong solar radiation may allow for triggering from weak thin snowpack areas.

Conditions have greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Wind Slabs

Northerly winds may develop pockets of windslab in the alpine.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 1st, 2015 2:00PM