Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2019 4:14PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Slab avalanches are likely on Friday as new snow accumulates.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: 10-15 cm of snow, moderate southeast wind, alpine temperatures drop to -4 C.FRIDAY: Another 5-15 cm of snow, light south wind, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.SATURDAY: Scattered flurries with 5-10 cm of snow possible, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, surface snow produced some small (size 1) loose dry avalanches and one small skier triggered storm slab was reported (20 cm thick). Last weekend, small (size 1) wind slabs were reactive to skier traffic.

Snowpack Summary

Expect 15-30 cm of new snow to form fresh storm slabs by Friday afternoon. Snow from earlier in the week has rapidly settled, except in exposed terrain where it formed wind slabs. This snow rests on a variety of wind affected surfaces that formed during a previous extreme wind event. It may be resting on isolated pockets of facets in sheltered locations. Below that, the snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday. Watch for fresh accumulations of snow forming touchy slabs in steep and wind-affected terrain.

Avoid steep, open slopes.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 15th, 2019 2:00PM