Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2014 8:04AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: Cold and cloudy overnight with no precipitation and strong Easterly winds. Continued cold and cloudy during the day with alpine temperatures near -25. Winds becoming light North-easterly.Tuesday: Mostly clear and cold with no precipitation and light Southerly winds.Wednesday: The arctic ridge is expected to push back causing clear skies and cold temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanche activity since the cold arctic air moved in to the region. North aspects in the alpine continue to be the most likely slopes for triggering the February weak layer where it may be well preserved and allow for long fracture propagations resulting in very large avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Cold arctic air has developed melt-freeze crusts on all aspects at lower elevations, and all but North aspects in the alpine. No recent reports of whumpfing or remote triggering on this weak layer of crusts and facets. Forecast strong Northeast outflow winds may continue to develop wind slabs in areas that still have snow available for transport. Basal facets and/or depth hoar remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas in the northern part of the region. Cornices are also large and may become weak if northerly winds start to undercut them.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

North aspects in the alpine are the most likely slopes for human triggering the February weak layer. Avalanches releasing on this deeply buried persistent weak layer may be large and destructive.

Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Strong Easterly winds continue to scour slopes and develop hard wind slabs in areas that have snow available for transport.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2014 2:00PM