Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 4th, 2019–Feb 5th, 2019

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

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: Northwest Coastal.

Strong outflow winds have created wind slabs in exposed terrain.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Mostly clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -10 C.WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, light west wind, alpine temperature -8 C.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs were reactive to skier traffic on the weekend, generally producing small avalanches. See here for an example.

Snowpack Summary

Strong northeast winds have redistributed up to 40 cm of recent storm snow, creating wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. This snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong to extreme northeast winds have redistributed the recent storm snow and created wind slabs in exposed terrain, particularly in cross-loaded and lee terrain features near ridges.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2