Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2019 4:32PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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. Seymour AST Mt Seymour

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

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2019 2:00PM