Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 7th, 2012–Feb 8th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The weather patterns will start to change on Wednesday. The inland regions may see light amounts of precipitation starting in the afternoon with freezing levels near 1000m. They could rise to 1500m later in the afternoon. Thursday into Friday may bring light-moderate precipitation, with freezing levels rising to 1600m. Ridgetop winds will be moderate from the SW, switching Southerly towards the end of the forecast period. Weather models disagree; confidence in precipitation amounts is poor.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations reported.

Snowpack Summary

Snow surface conditions are variable. Thin, breakable sun crusts have developed on steep solar aspects in the alpine. Melt freeze crusts exist at lower elevations on most aspects. At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (5mm) are forming; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations. In the Duffy Lake and Coquihalla sits a well settled snowpack below the variable surface conditions. Additionally in the Coquilhalla hard wind slabs 5-15cm thick and have formed due to strong outflow winds. Cornice fall is still a concern under the sunny skies and could trigger a large slab avalanche from the slope below. The older storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a meter deep and continues to settle and bond.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong outflow winds over the past couple days have created hard stiff wind slabs on lee slopes. They may be stubborn, but could be reactive to rider triggers.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornice fall may release slab avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 6