Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 8, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger remains elevated with warm temperatures and high freezing levels through Thursday.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Large cornices have formed and they remain fragile. These monsters could surprise you with nasty consequences and demand respect. Use extra caution around ridge crests.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    New storm slabs may be reactive at upper alpine elevations. The new snow may have a poor bond to the underlying crust. Small loose dry avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    The snowpack is saturated at lower elevations and loose wet avalanches are possible.

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near +3. Ridgetop winds light from the northwest and freezing levels 1500 m. Friday: Mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 600 m. Ridgetop winds light from the north. Saturday: Mostly clear. Alpine temperatures near -14 with ridgetop winds light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A mix of rain and snow fell on a variety of old snow surfaces including crusts and moist snow at lower elevations. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust and the new snow may have a poor bond to that crust. At lower elevations snow surfaces are moist/ wet and have become unstable. The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern.

Regions covered