Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 22nd, 2019–Feb 23rd, 2019

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Fresh storm slabs are building at higher elevations, especially in the southern part of the region.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: 10-15 cm of snow in the south and 5 cm in the north, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -8 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall and accumulations of 5-10 cm, light southwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a skier triggered slab avalanche was reported in the Duffey area on northwest aspect at 1900 m (see MIN report here). A few small (size 1) wind slabs were also observed near ridgetops, and several loose dry avalanches were were observed in steep rocky terrain.

Snowpack Summary

New snow amounts will be variable across the region on Saturday, with 15-30 cm possible in the south and 5-15 cm in the north. Deeper deposits may be found in wind-affected alpine terrain. Recent snow may sit above hard wind slabs or sun crusts. A weak layer above a crust can be found roughly 20-30 cm deep at treeline and below treeline elevations, and has produced some small slabs with low destructive potential on isolated features. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are forming at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Use caution in steep terrain or above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful around wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2