Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2015 7:06AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

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Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Apart from some light snow or flurries on Sunday, the next few days look dry and cool. Winds are moderate to strong from the north quarter (although the direction will vary locally).

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday and Friday, several size 1 skier initiated avalanches were reported. It is expected that these were thin wind slabs. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects. If the region gets substantial warming and sun again, isolated events like these could once again become active. Loose sluffs from steep sun exposed slopes are also possible.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices may be sensitive to warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small. On other slopes, variable surfaces include a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Direct sun may weaken the upper snowpack and lead to loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This is a low probability problem with large consequences. A weak basal layer resulted in several full depth avalanches during the last sunny period, which could be repeated this weekend. Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes during the afternoon.

Avoid steep unsupported planar slopes when the solar radiation is strong. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

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