Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2014 8:18AM

The alpine rating is considerable, 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.

The buried weak layer from early February continues to be a concern. Check out the forecasters’ blog.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Clear and cold overnight with strong Northeast winds. Alpine temperatures below -20. Cloud developing during the day with some light flurries in the afternoon combined with strong Easterly winds.Monday: Cloudy and cold with moderate Easterly winds. Alpine temperatures around -25.Tuesday: Mostly clear and cold with alpine temperatures around -22.

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 my be large and destructive.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

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.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2014 2:00PM