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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2013–Feb 24th, 2013
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
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
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: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall developing late in the day and continuing overnight / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mMonday: Light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1000mTuesday: Mix of sun and cloud with snow developing in the afternoon / Light south winds / Freezing level at 800m

Avalanche Summary

Size 2.5 natural cornice falls triggered slabs on north and southeast alpine features in the Duffey area. A size 2 slab was also ski cut on a north aspect at treeline. There were no other reports of avalanche activity from the region.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to heavy snowfall has been redistributed into potent wind slabs at treeline and above and may overlie small surface hoar buried on February 20th. Where it exists, the surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the new storm slab.On shaded slopes up to 50cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area where recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. On solar aspects and at lower elevations recent accumulations overlie a melt freeze crust.The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast snowfall and winds late Sunday will add to ongoing storm/ wind slab conditions, especially in the Coquihalla area. Triggering avalanches will most likely in wind-exposed terrain, or in more sheltered areas where buried surface hoar exists.
Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4