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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 18th, 2012–Feb 19th, 2012
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
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.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Light snowfall / moderate southwest winds increasing to strong in the evening / freezing level @ 500m Monday: moderate snowfall developing in the afternoon continuing overnight / strong southwest winds / freezing level @ 700m Tuesday: moderate snowfall / strong southwest winds / freezing level @ 700m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

The last week has seen light amounts of snowfall with light winds in most areas. The recently fallen snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Sandwiched between the newer snow and the aforementioned older surfaces may be a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. We expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some thoughts on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast moderate to strong winds will redistribute snow into pockets of wind slab on lee slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3