Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2014–Feb 10th, 2014

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

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

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

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: South Coast.

You may be powder-starved, but mother nature is calling the shots with touchy, high consequence conditions expected for the forecast period. Conservative terrain selection will become critical.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure and the associated cold arctic air is on its way out giving way to a more zonal flow. A series of punchy systems will impact the Coast for the forecast period.Monday: Snowfall becoming heavy throughout the day with southern areas seeing the highest accumulations / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mTuesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mWednesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1500m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were reported. I expect significant storm slab activity with forecast snowfall over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Current snow surfaces include surface facets, patchy surface hoar, thin wind slabs, scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Recent cold temperatures have also continued to facet shallow snowpack areas, including rocky or shallow bed surfaces left exposed by the last avalanche cycle. Once buried by the forecast storm snow, facets sitting on a hard surface or at ground level will most likely be the interface to watch.The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled; although basal facets remain on the radar as a low probability/ high consequence problem for some operators, particularly in the north of the region.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The avalanche danger will rise as Monday's storm intensifies with punchy storm slab development. Due to freshly buried weak layers, touchy conditions may persist for a while. Watch for increased triggering in wind-affected terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3