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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 1st, 2014–Mar 2nd, 2014
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
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 Columbia.

Although the frequency of natural avalanches has gone down recently, the possibility of triggering a large, destructive avalanche is still very real. See the Forecasters Blog for more insight into this tricky situation.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The current ridge of high pressure will break down allowing for a series of pacific frontal systems to bring snowfall to the region for the forecast period.Sunday: Overcast skies and light snowfall / Light southeast winds / Freezing level at surfaceMonday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mSunday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1200m

Avalanche Summary

In recent days, solar warming contributed to some loose wet avalanche activity on sun-exposed slopes which, in turn, triggered slab avalanches to size 2. On Friday a skier remotely triggered a size 2 slab avalanche on a northwest facing alpine slope just north of the region. The February 10th interface was the culprit in this event. This activity suggests the February 10th interface may still be touchy in some areas of the South Columbia Region as well.

Snowpack Summary

Snow surfaces include well-settled powder, surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on solar aspects. Recent variable winds have also created wind pressing in exposed terrain, and thin wind slabs may be found in some alpine features.The big news remains a mix of weak surfaces which were buried on February 10th. This persistent interface lies between 70 and 120cm below the surface, and includes surface hoar, well developed facets and a mix of hard surfaces which remain widespread at all aspects and elevations. Although avalanche activity has tapered-off at this interface, destructive avalanches are still a very real concern with ongoing reports of remote-triggering and sudden snowpack test results. This low probability/high consequence scenario is tricky to manage as the warning signs may not be obvious. It's all about terrain choice. Put the odds in your favour by avoiding steep, unsupported slopes, areas with a thin or variable snowpack, or terrain with a significant overhead hazardFor the most part, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well consolidated.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A deep, dense slab overlies a variety of weak layers and may still be touchy in some areas. Put the odds in your favour by avoiding steep, unsupported slopes, areas with a thin or variable snowpack, or terrain with a significant overhead hazard
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5