Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2018 5:03PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Wind slabs at higher elevations are the primary concern. Sheltered trees offer the best and safest riding.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mostly sunny, moderate north wind, alpine high temperatures around -13 C.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported in the southern part of the region.Several skier-triggered slabs in the new snow were reported in the Duffey area on Saturday. Most were small, but one size 2 avalanche was reported on a north-facing slope at 1900 m.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain, cold weather is preserving low density snow from the recent storms. In exposed terrain, strong north and east winds have scoured windward slopes and loaded lee slopes. Storm totals from Saturday range from 30 cm in the Duffey area and other northern parts of the region, 50 cm around the Coquihalla, and 40 cm around Manning Park.In southern parts of the region, the new snow sits above a widespread crust with well settled snow below the crust. In northern parts of the region, avalanche professionals are still monitoring the mid-January crust and are avoiding shallow rocky slopes where triggering this layer is most likely. This layer is now 80-150 cm deep, but a heavy trigger (cornice?) or the next major storm could potentially wake up this layer. Large cornices have also been reported in northern parts of the region, which may be an effective trigger for an avalanches on the slopes below them.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Strong winds from various directions (primarily north and east) have blown recent snow into touchy slabs at higher elevations.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2018 2:00PM