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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2019–Feb 16th, 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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Friday's storm has left touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Be extra cautious around steep slopes and convex terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow tapering off in the evening with minimal accumulations overnight, light south wind, alpine temperatures drop to -3 C.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with some light isolated flurries, light south wind, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 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 20 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). Avalanches were most reactive on west and south aspects.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of snow from Friday has formed widespread touchy storm slabs. These slabs showed signs of bonding poorly to underlying crusts, particularly on west and south aspects. Furthermore, storm snow has been reactive above a 50 cm deep crust that was buried in early February. The snowpack is well-settled and strong below this crust.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

20-40 cm thick storm slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggering on Saturday.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2