Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2020 5:00PM
