Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2014 8:39AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

You may be powder-starved, but mother nature is calling the shots with touchy, high consequence conditions expected for the forecast period. Conservative terrain selection will become critical.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure and the associated cold arctic air is on its way out giving way to a more zonal flow. A series of punchy systems will impact the Coast for the forecast period.Monday: Heavy snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceTuesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceWednesday: Moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 300m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. I would expect touchy storm slab conditions with forecast weather over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

A highly variable snow surface includes surface facets, patchy surface hoar, thin wind slabs, scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Once buried by the forecast storm snow, surface hoar or a thin layer of facets sitting on a hard surface will likely become a persistent weak layer.The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Forecast heavy snowfall will likely create a new and reactive storm slab. Due to freshly buried weak layers, touchy conditions may persist for a while. Watch for increased triggering in wind-affected terrain.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2014 2:00PM

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