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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2018–Feb 17th, 2018
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Vancouver Island.

Confidence

Moderate - moderate- uncertain of precipitation amounts

Travel & Terrain Advice

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind. Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches reported, no explosive avalanche control conducted.New snow, moderate south and north wind all falling on hard and well developed crust. Expect to find wind slab avalanches on all aspects and in the alpine and tree line. Expect new snow to bond poorly to the old crust.

Snowpack Summary

During the overnight period, light new snowfall of up to 15 cm will bury a well developed melt freeze crust found on all aspects and elevations. Isolated areas protected from both the sun and wind below tree line had very small surface hoar and its likely this will be buried. Below this upper melt freeze crust well settled and dense snow continues to strengthen.

Snowpack Details

Surface:

10-15cm new snow. Upper: hard melt freeze crust. Mid: well settled. Lower: well settled

Past Weather

A period of cool and clear conditions with temperatures in the alpine falling to below -10. Winds from the north west persisted and built during daytime to moderate.

Weather Forecast

During the initial overnight period of this forecast, all mountainous terrain zones within the forecast area will receive up to 15 cm of new snow. Moderate south west winds will accompany the storm with temperatures remaining cool. In the storms wake, north west winds will ramp up to moderate, skies will clear and temperatures will warm with freezing levels rising to 1000 m.Another storm arrives Friday with continued cool temperatures and light to moderate snow fall.Wednesday: 5-15 cm of overnight snowfall becoming clear in the am temps -3 to -1, moderate Sw becoming Nw, freezing level 200 m rising to 900 m mid day.Thursday: 5 cm light snowfall temps -6 rising to 0, winds light Sw, freezing level 0 m rising to 1000 m mid day.Friday: 5- 10 cm of moderate snowfall , temps - 3 to 0 , winds light to moderate Sw, freezing level 600 m rising to 1400 m.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate winds from both the south west and north east will form hazardous winds slab on all aspects and will be found in both the alpine and at tree line. Expect these avalanche to be touchy to light triggers such as skier traffic and when triggered will run fast and far.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Cornices

Cornices can be found on north aspects at both the treeline and the alpine. Cornices will build through this forecast period and new cornice noses will become touchy to human triggering. If triggered these could produce an avalanche big enough to bury injure or kill a traveler. Take the time to identify these features and ensure a wide berth when travelling either above or below these features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2