Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2018 4:24PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Avalanche danger remains elevated with warm temperatures and high freezing levels through Thursday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near +3. Ridgetop winds light from the northwest and freezing levels 1500 m. Friday: Mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 600 m. Ridgetop winds light from the north. Saturday: Mostly clear. Alpine temperatures near -14 with ridgetop winds light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A mix of rain and snow fell on a variety of old snow surfaces including crusts and moist snow at lower elevations. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust and the new snow may have a poor bond to that crust. At lower elevations snow surfaces are moist/ wet and have become unstable. The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern.

Problems

Loose Wet

The snowpack is saturated at lower elevations and loose wet avalanches are possible.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs may be reactive at upper alpine elevations. The new snow may have a poor bond to the underlying crust. Small loose dry avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices have formed and they remain fragile. These monsters could surprise you with nasty consequences and demand respect. Use extra caution around ridge crests.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.Falling cornices may trigger avalanches on slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2018 2:00PM