Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 2nd, 2017–Mar 3rd, 2017

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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.

Incoming snow, wind, and warming temperatures will increase avalanche hazard over the next several days.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Still snowing with another 15 to 20 cm by Friday evening with continued strong SW winds. Temperatures cooling slightly with freezing level falling to 700 m.SATURDAY: Unsettled conditions with a mix of sun and cloud and another 3-5 cm of snow. Freezing levels hovering around 700 m and winds easing to light southeasterlies.SUNDAY: Unsettled conditions with a mix of sun and cloud and another 3-5 cm of snow. Freezing levels hovering around 700 m and light southeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

The likelihood and size of slab avalanches will increase with continued snow and wind and warming temperatures. Natural avalanches are likely during periods of heavy loading from snow, wind and rain.

Snowpack Summary

Much of the region received around 50cm of of fresh snow over the past couple of days, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow and southwesterly winds have likely deposited deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are expected to be highly sensitive to triggering and particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Storm snow is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3