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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 2nd, 2019–Mar 3rd, 2019
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab has decreased, the problem still exists. Continue to employ a conservative approach to terrain selection.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mainly sunny / light east wind / alpine temperature -5 CMONDAY: Mainly sunny / light to moderate east wind / alpine temperature -3 CTUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud / light northeast wind / alpine temperature 0 C

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.On February 18th a fatal avalanche occurred on a steep feature at treeline elevation in the Mount Seymour backcountry (see here for incident report).

Snowpack Summary

In exposed areas the upper snowpack has been wind affected and stiff wind slabs exist. In sheltered areas you can still find pockets of low density snow. A crust and in some places surface hoar can be found down 50 cm below the surface. Approximately 80-120 cm below the surface is a layer of sugary facets sitting on a crust that continues to be reactive in snowpack tests, especially on north aspects. This layer seems to be more reactive in the North Shore Mountains. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent layer to linger into the future. The lower snowpack is generally strong.Please check out these MIN reports for more snowpack information:Diggin' Mt. SeymourAST Mt Seymour

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) over a crust is buried 50-100 cm deep. Triggering large avalanches on this layer remains possible in steep terrain, especially in the North Shore Mountains.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of a buried weak layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs may be reactive especially on southwesterly aspects.
Use caution above cliffs and gullies where small avalanches may have severe consequences.If triggered wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5