Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2013 9:44AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Saturday Evening: Freezing Level: 500m, 5 - 15cm expected overnight. Wind Mod W.Sunday: Freezing Level: 750m, Wind: Mod SW, Precip ending around 08:00.Monday: Freezing Level: 600m, Wind: Lht. SW, No significant precip.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 500m, Wind: Light N/NW, No significant precip.

Avalanche Summary

A few small loose avalanches and pinwheeling were reported Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Very light amounts of recent snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla have been distributed into wind slabs at higher elevations. On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 11th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar. My guess is that they are gaining considerable strength; however, it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

There should be around 10 - 20 cm of new snow by Sunday morning accompanied by moderate west winds. Watch for potentially sensitive soft slabs in wind exposed terrain Sunday.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2013 2:00PM