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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2014–Feb 12th, 2014
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
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: South Coast.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mThursday: Heavy snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mFriday: Moderate (heavy in the Coquihalla area) snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity was reported at the time of publishing this bulletin, although I expect significant storm slab activity with forecast snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

A developing storm slab (15 to 20cm in the north/ closer to 50cm along the Coquihalla) overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Reports from the field indicate a poor bond between the new snow and these old surfaces. Strong to extreme winds are shifting the new snow into deeper, reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, the reactivity and destructive potential of the developing storm slab should also increase. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist, especially in the north of the region, but triggering has become unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

A touchy storm slab, which is likely more reactive in wind-affected terrain, sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. With heavy snowfall on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>Good day to make conservative terrain choices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5