Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Mar 2 – 3, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Strong Easterly winds continue to scour slopes and develop hard wind slabs in areas that have snow available for transport.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    North aspects in the alpine are the most likely slopes for human triggering the February weak layer. Avalanches releasing on this deeply buried persistent weak layer may be large and destructive.

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: Cold and cloudy overnight with no precipitation and strong Easterly winds. Continued cold and cloudy during the day with alpine temperatures near -25. Winds becoming light North-easterly.Tuesday: Mostly clear and cold with no precipitation and light Southerly winds.Wednesday: The arctic ridge is expected to push back causing clear skies and cold temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanche activity since the cold arctic air moved in to the region. North aspects in the alpine continue to be the most likely slopes for triggering the February weak layer where it may be well preserved and allow for long fracture propagations resulting in very large avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Cold arctic air has developed melt-freeze crusts on all aspects at lower elevations, and all but North aspects in the alpine. No recent reports of whumpfing or remote triggering on this weak layer of crusts and facets. Forecast strong Northeast outflow winds may continue to develop wind slabs in areas that still have snow available for transport. Basal facets and/or depth hoar remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas in the northern part of the region. Cornices are also large and may become weak if northerly winds start to undercut them.

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