Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2014 7:55AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Peter, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Check out the Forecasters Blog for more discussion on the current conditions seen in most regions.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: An arctic ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather pattern over the next few days resulting in cool temperatures, mainly sunny skies, and strong outflow winds (from the east-northeast) in coastal inlets and valleys. A temperature inversion may develop on Monday and we could see above freezing temperatures in the alpine on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

Parts of the region reported a widespread natural avalanche cycle that likely occurred on Thursday and/or Friday. Avalanches up to size 3 were reported. Several natural loose snow avalanches were also reported on Friday on south aspects when the sun poked out. Rider triggered avalanches, remotely triggered avalanches, and whumpfing continues throughout the region. This highlights the touchy nature of the snowpack. Slight changes from snow loading, wind loading, or solar radiation could be enough to tip the scales.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably throughout the region. Some areas received as much as 45 cm of convective power flurries over the past couple days. The prominent mid February persistent weakness, consisting of surface hoar, facets, crust and/or wind pressed surfaces, is down 60-100 cm in the north and 120-160 cm in the south. Widespread whumpfing, cracking, natural avalanche activity and remote triggering at all elevations are a strong indication of poor bond between the new snow and these old surfaces. Previous strong W-NW winds and forecast E-NE winds will likely create wind slabs on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain at all elevations.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Blue skies and fresh snow will make it very tempting to push out into more committing terrain. Don't get lured in! The current conditions are very tricky and require patience and conservative decision making.

Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.>Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs may exist in exposed terrain on a variety of aspects and elevations.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2014 2:00PM