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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2016–Feb 27th, 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.

Don't linger underneath cornices. If the sun comes out, avoid sunny slopes.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

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

Avalanche Summary

A natural cycle of size 1-3 loose wet avalanches was observed on steep sunny slopes over the last two days. A few size 1-2 wind slabs were also triggered naturally and by skiers recently, however this activity seems to have slowed.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed 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 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 an avalanche on the slope below.
Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs may be difficult to spot once buried below new snow.
Avoid wind loaded features by travelling on ridges and ribs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3