Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2014 8:31AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2014 2:00PM