Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2016–Feb 27th, 2016

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Don't linger underneath cornices. If the sun comes out, avoid sunny slopes.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The first in a series of fronts is expected to bring light snow overnight Friday, with moderate south-westerly winds and the freezing level dropping to around 1300 m. There is a lull on Saturday before a second front brings light snow and moderate to strong winds again on Sunday. Another lull is expected on Monday.

Avalanche Summary

Size 1-2 loose wet avalanches were failing on steep solar aspects over the last couple of days. A few small wind slabs were triggered by skiers on Tuesday. Cornices are large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Large cornices are looming. These could fail under the weight of a person, or on their own. A cornice fall can also trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs may be difficult to spot once buried below new snow.

Travel on ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3