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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2019–Feb 17th, 2019

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast.

The storm snow needs more time to stabilize. Be cautious around steep slopes and convex terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods, light north wind, alpine temperatures drop to -6 C.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy with some light flurries, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around - 6 C.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread avalanche activity was reported on the North Shore mountains on Friday. Ski cutting produced numerous small (size 1) slab avalanches in the top 30 cm of snow, as well a few notable larger avalanches (up to size 2.5). Many of the avalanches showed impressive propagation, with some being triggered remotely (from a distance) and on a few occasions stepping down to a 50 cm deep crust layer (see this MIN report). Evidence of natural activity was also observed when the weather cleared up. Avalanches were most reactive on west and south aspects.

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm of recent storm snow has not yet bonded to underlying crust layers. Because of the cold temperatures and weak snow around the crusts, storm slabs are expected to take a few more days to strengthen. The lower snowpack is settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.