Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2015 8:47AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A rising freezing level will likely keep alpine danger ratings elevated through the week.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

An upper ridge will build over southern half of the province deflecting a series of incoming fronts to the north. Wednesday will see light precipitation with a freezing level of between 1500 to 2000m. Light rain will spread to the alpine on Thursday and Friday as freezing levels rise to 3000m. Winds will be moderate to strong from the south to southwest through the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity over the last couple of days was limited to loose wet avalanches on steep solar aspects. At the height of the storm in the northern portion of the region avalanches ran to size 3 on the early February crust. Wet avalanches below 1950m were also observed. In the southern portion of the region several small glide avalanche releases were observed on rock slabs below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks pineapple express delivered 50 to 80cm of snow above 2200m in the north of the region and around 30cm in the southern portion of the region accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the SW through SE. This snow rests on a supportive rain crust from early February. The bond to this crust continues to strengthen with ongoing warm temperatures. The snow is wet below 2000m and saturated below treeline.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Soft storm slabs may become more sensitive to human triggering tomorrow as wind speed and freezing level increase.

The new snow will likely require a bit more time to settle and stabilize.>If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches should be most problematic at elevations below the freezing level where the forecast precipitation falls as rain.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be very cautious with gully features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2015 2:00PM