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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2014–Feb 12th, 2014
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mThursday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 600mFriday: Heavy snowfall Thursday evening becoming light on Friday / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 500m

Avalanche Summary

On Monday numerous skier triggered and remotely triggered size 1 slab avalanches were reported in steep treeline terrain. With incoming weather I would expect ongoing touchy storm slab activity with increasing size throughout the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Between 30 and 45cm of new snow 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 winds are likely 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 in some parts of the region, but triggering has become unlikely.

Avalanche 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 more snow on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.>The touchy conditions require extreme caution if traveling in the mountains.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4