Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 18th, 2020–Feb 19th, 2020

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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: South Coast.

Sunny skies will prevail, warming up the snowpack. Expect the snow to moisten and weaken during the heat of the day.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.

WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light southeast wind, treeline temperature 2 C, freezing level 1800 m.

THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1500 m.

FRIDAY: Increasing clouds, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were observed in the region. The last reported activity was from the weekend, where wind and storm slab avalanches were triggered by riders at treeline and alpine elevations in the north of the region.

Snowpack Summary

Clear skies and a warming trend are warming the snowpack, primarily on sun-exposed slopes. Snow may become wet and loose during the heat of the day. Wind slabs may also linger in steep, lee terrain near ridges at alpine elevations in the north of the region.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled. The snowpack depth varies from around 200 to 250 cm at the peaks of the North Shore mountains (1400 m) and rapidly decreases with elevation to no snow below 1000 m.

Terrain and Travel

Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices will weaken with daytime heat. Stand well back of them on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Sun-exposed slopes will warm up with daytime heat. Wet loose avalanches could sweep you off your feet and push you into terrain traps, such as gullies or cliffs.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5