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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 21st, 2013–Feb 22nd, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
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: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Friday: Heavy snowfall / Strong to extreme southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mSaturday: Trace amounts of new snow / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceSunday: Moderate to heavy snowfall / Moderate south winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. Significant storm slab activity is expected with forecast weather on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

There have been a few reports of fairly widespread surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Since then relatively light accumulations have covered the surface hoar with calm winds leaving the weak crystals well preserved. This interface may be the thing to watch as it becomes further buried by heavy accumulations on Friday.Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfall and strong winds will create widespread storm/ wind slab instabilities. Triggering will be most likely in wind-affected terrain or in areas where buried surface hoar exists.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.>Good day to make conservative terrain choices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5