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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2019–Feb 24th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Human triggered avalanches remain likely as strong wind is forming fresh slabs in exposed terrain.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear, moderate east wind, alpine temperatures drop to -15 C.SUNDAY: Sunny, strong northeast outflow wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Sunny, strong to extreme northeast outflow wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, strong northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations since Thursday's storm include several small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches at lower elevations and some larger wind slabs (up to size 2) at higher elevations. However, alpine observations are still limited. A few small storm slabs were remotely triggered on a north aspects between at 1200-1400 m near Terrace and failed on the recently buried surface hoar layer.Looking forward, expect natural avalanche activity to taper off while the potential for human triggered avalanches remains elevated.

Snowpack Summary

Outflow winds are reshaping the surface and forming fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. 20-50 cm of snow fell over the region on Thursday and Friday, with the highest amounts favouring areas closer to the coast. The new snow has reportedly buried a new layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as a new sun crust on solar aspects. In most areas, the new snow collectively overlies hard, previously wind affected surfaces or crust. In limited sheltered areas, it may overlie an older layer of faceted (sugary) snow.In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, you may find two weak layers of surface hoar buried between 50 and 100 cm. The base of the snowpack may also be composed of weak and sugary faceted snow.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

20 to 50 cm of new snow has likely formed slabs that may not bond well to underlying layers. Strong outflow winds are redistributing the snow and forming fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain.
Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Evaluate the bond between the new snow and the previous surface before entering avalanche terrain.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5