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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 8th, 2018–Mar 9th, 2018
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
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 Inland.

Snowfall amounts are uncertain Thursday night into Friday. Higher amounts are expected in the southern portion of the region. If amounts are higher than forecast, the danger rating may be higher than what is indicated.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Flurries overnight Thursday into Friday, accumulation 10-20cm then a mix of sun and cloud through Friday / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 700m SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1400m SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 6 / Freezing level 2200m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches were observed in steep south-facing terrain on Wednesday and Tuesday. Most were small (size 1), but a few in the Coquihalla reached size 2.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulating on Thursday into Friday has been redistributed by southerly winds at upper elevations. The new snow sits on a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on polar aspects, and wind affected snow at upper elevations.In northern parts of the region the mid-February weak layer is about 40 cm below the surface and has been reactive in some snowpack tests. The layer is composed of sugary facets, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar that is present at and below treeline. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on these layers. The snowpack is well settled in southern parts of the region (e.g. Coquihalla and Manning Park).Variable winds in the past month have created cornices on many alpine ridgelines. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as the strong late-winter sun shines down upon them on clear days.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with predominantly southerly winds will create wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Cornices

New snow and warming will likely make cornices extra brittle.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5