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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2014–Mar 14th, 2014
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The first frontal system will cross the south coast Thursday night and Friday morning. There is some uncertainty regarding the timing but the second system is expected on Saturday and should persist through Sunday.Thurs. Night/Friday: Snow 15-20cm, freezing level am: 1000m pm: 1500m, ridgetop wind light SW-WSaturday: Moderate-heavy snowfall, freezing level am: 800m pm: 1200-1500m, ridgetop wind 20-40 km/h S-SWSunday: Light-moderate snowfall, freezing level am: 1200-1500m pm: 1000m, ridgetop wind 30-50 km/h SW

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Loose wet sluffing has been reported form steep solar aspects during the heat of the day.

Snowpack Summary

The storm snow from last weekend has settled rapidly and is bonding well with the snow below. There are two persistent weak layers which remain a concern but the problem is becoming isolated. The early-March crust/facet layer is down roughly 1m and the early-Feb layer is down 1.5m or more. These layers are typically deep enough that human-triggering is unlikely but smaller avalanches or cornices have the potential to step down to these layers. Strong SW winds during the storm created widespread wind slabs on lee features in the alpine. These are breaking down and getting harder to trigger but may still pose a threat in some areas.Freezing levels have been cycling between valley bottom and 1500-2000m, and low elevation terrain saw significant rain last weekend. The snowpack at lower elevations is generally stable but it may be possible to trigger loose wet activity from steep terrain during the heat of the day. On the surface, a well developed sun crust has formed on solar aspects. Surface hoar has formed and is most prominent in sheltered areas and on north aspects. At lower elevations, a crust can be expected in most areas.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow will sit on a sun crust and/or surface hoar. Expect new wind slab formation to be the primary problem for Friday. A widespread storm slab is expected as the storm progresses. Old wind slabs may still be a concern on N->E aspects.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

There are a couple of persistent weak layers within the snowpack. While generally well bonded, the layer can still produce avalanches in isolated areas. Use extra caution in thin areas and on steep, unsupported features, especially on north aspects
Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6