Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2013 9:26AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Freezing Level: 250m increasing to 800 in the afternoon. Wind: Light SW. No significant precip.Thursday: Freezing Level: 600m increasing slightly during the day. Wind initially light W/SW increasing to strong W/SW in the afternoon. 10 - 20 cm of snow expected during the day.Thursday Night: Freezing Level: 800m, 15 - 30 cm expectedFriday: Freezing Level: Initially 900m, falling throughout the day. 20 – 40 expected during the day.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Monday was limited to small natural sluffs. Interestingly, some sporadic glide releases to size 2.5 were reported on the Coquihalla.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall in the Duffey Lakes area and up on the Coquihala has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.? On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar.? These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for small windslabs 10 - 20 cm in depth in wind exposed treeline and alpine features, especially near ridge crest.

Be careful with pockets of wind slab near ridge crest.>Plan escape routes and identify safe zones before committing to your line.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2013 2:00PM