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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2016–Feb 26th, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Large, fragile cornices demand respect. Give them a wide berth on ridges and avoid travelling underneath them.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The first of two cold fronts is expected to bring 5-10 cm snow late on Friday, with moderate south-westerly winds and the freezing level dropping to around 1300 m. There is a lull on Saturday before the second front brings light snow and moderate winds again on Sunday.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered by skiers and naturally over the past few days. In some areas affected by the sun, loose wet avalanches were observed. These were mostly small, but some very large (size 3) wet avalanches were observed on a flight yesterday.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Large cornices are looming. These could fail under the weight of a person, or on their own. A cornice fall can also trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on ridges.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs exist on many slopes. It may still be possible to trigger these with the weight of a person or snowmobile.
Avoid wind loaded features by travelling on ridges and ribs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3