Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2013 9:55AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 2100mSaturday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mSunday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 1300m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

Very light amounts of recent snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla overlie crusts on previously sun-exposed slopes and small surface hoar in sheltered locations. These recent accumulations have been distributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.A slightly deeper crust buried around Feb 3th lies approximately 20-50 cm below the surface. This interface was the focus of recent avalanche activity during the last storm. Activity has since tapered off on this layer; however, reactivity may still be possible in steep, unsupported terrain. Down approximately 50-70 cm sits another persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline.Â The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable throughout the region with greatest amounts falling in the Coquihalla area. Moderate winds have redistributed the new snow into deeper slabs in the lee of ridge crests and terrain breaks.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels and the probability of clear weather will increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanche activity on sun-exposed slopes.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 15th, 2013 2:00PM