Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 18, 2018Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map

Highlights

Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Storm snow will take longer than usual to gain strength.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Large cornices have formed along ridgelines. Cornices are inherently unstable, unpredictable, and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Storm slabs will remain very reactive to human triggers on Sunday. Surprisingly wide propagations are possible because of the buried crust.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: A few light flurries in the morning and then clearing and cooling as Arctic air pushes into the region, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Sunny, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

Storm snow was very reactive on Saturday, with numerous reports of size 1-2 slab avalanches being triggered by skiers, including remotely (from a distance). Activity occurred on all aspects at both treeline and below treeline elevations. Conditions were likely similar in alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall has buried a hard rain crust that extends into alpine terrain. The crust is now roughly 40 cm below the surface, and reports suggest the snow will take several days to bond to the crust. The result is a very touchy storm slab above the crust. There are no significant layers of concern below the crust.

Regions covered