Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2019–Feb 9th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Stiff wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers: Steep, unsupported terrain and wind-loaded features are most suspect. Continued snow transport is expected with ongoing cold temperatures and winds.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods isolated flurries near the Coquihalla. Alpine temperatures near -28C. Ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.SATURDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperatures near -16C. Ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast. SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures near -14C. Ridgetop winds moderate to light from the northeast.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -14C. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Pockets of wind slab were reactive to skier traffic early in the week through Wednesday, when a few natural small wind slabs up to size 1 were reported in the northern part of the region. Otherwise, no new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow and shifting winds from last weekend has formed wind slabs predominantly on southerly aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park but is unreactive at this time.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds has formed stiff pockets of wind slab in wind-loaded terrain, slabs are more prominent on steep, unsupported features and in cross-loaded terrain. Loose dry sluffing of the new snow will likely occur from steeper terrain features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, hollow sounds or shooting cracks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2