Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2012 9:00AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
In general we should see unsettled conditions as a series of disturbances move across the province this week. Monday: Light to locally moderate snowfall - 5-10cm. Freezing level (FL) 800m. Winds light to moderate from the southwest. Tuesday: Light to locally moderate snowfall - 10-15cm. FL rising to 1200m. Winds increasing to moderate from the W-SW. Wednesday: The strongest pulse should arrive late on Tuesday and bring moderate to locally heavy precipitation into Wednesday. 15-30cm is possible. FL lowering to 800-1000m. Winds moderate from the SW.
Avalanche Summary
There is one new report of a Size 1 accidently triggered avalanche on a steep leeward (north) aspect in the alpine. Otherwise there have been no new reports.
Snowpack Summary
The new snow layer above the February 9 surface hoar is now about 15-35cm thick. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. Some thin windslab has developed as a result of SW winds Fri/Sat. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2012 9:00AM