Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2018 4:03PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The first hit of sunshine could trigger storm slabs and loose snow avalanches from steeper, alpine features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with treeline temperatures near -4 and freezing levels dropping to 400 m. Ridgetop winds light from the North.Saturday: Sunny. Treeline temperatures near -3 and freezing levels valley bottom. Light winds from the North.Sunday: Some cloud with light flurries. Treeline temperatures near -3 and freezing levels valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche reports on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to get snow. With a forecast cooling trend, the upper snowpack will likely lock up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs may have a poor bond to the underlying crust and be reactive at upper alpine elevations. Loose dry avalanches are possible from steep terrain features.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices have formed and they remain fragile. Cornices are unpredictable and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

Falling cornices may trigger avalanches on slopes below.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2018 2:00PM