Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2020–Feb 20th, 2020

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Thursday will be another great day to soak in some sun. As you travel, observe for isolated pockets of wind slab in steep alpine terrain, wet snow on sun-exposed slopes, and weakening cornices during the daytime heat.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1000 m.

THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1100 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few small, loose avalanches were triggered by humans on Tuesday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Clear skies have formed a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed aspects and allowed for widespread surface hoar growth. Soft snow is found on shaded and sheltered aspects, which overlies hard surfaces and potentially buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain around treeline. Isolated wind slabs may still linger in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine.

The midpack is well-settled.

In the north part of the region (ie. Goldbridge/Duffey/Hurley), a deep instability exist in the snowpack, consisting of a weak basal facet-crust complex. Sporadic avalanche activity on this layer is keeping it on our radar. In the south of the region, including the Coquihalla and Manning areas, there are no concerns about deeply buried weak layers.

Terrain and Travel

Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab may linger in steep, alpine terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5