Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2014 9:51AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

A frontal system will approach the south coast on Thursday afternoon and should result in precipitation for Thursday night and Friday morning. A second, larger system should reach the south coast early Saturday.Thursday: Increasing cloud cover, snowfall beginning in the evening, freezing levels am: 800m pm: 1500m, ridgetop wind light SWThurs. Night/Friday: Snow 10-15cm, freezing levels am: 1000m pm: 1500m, ridgetop wind 30-50 km/h SW-WSaturday: Precipitation light to moderate, freezing levels am: 1000m, pm: 1800m, ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h SW

Avalanche Summary

The weekend saw widespread natural activity. Isolated activity was reported on Monday. No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Coquihalla and south: The surface of the snowpack is reported to be moist at all elevations and most aspects on Wednesday afternoon. A widespread surface crust is expected if we get good overnight recovery.  The early March melt-freeze crust is down 60-100 cm depending on elevation. Triggering is generally unlikely but remains the problem remains an isolated concern, specifically on north aspects at higher elevations.  Loose wet activity is possible from steep features during the heat of the day. Duffey Lake and north: The early March melt-freeze crust is down 60-80 cm on north aspects up to 1800 m and south aspects up to 2200 m. The mid Feb weak layer is generally now found down 90-130 cm. Freezing levels were lower in this part of the region and the snowpack has generally been more reactive than the south.  Old wind slabs may still exist in isolated areas of the alpine.  Lower elevations have seen rain and gone through numerous melt-freeze cycles.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
There are a couple of persistent weak layers within the snowpack. While generally well bonded, the layer can still produce avalanches in isolated areas. Use extra caution in thin areas and on steep, unsupported features, especially on north aspects
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2014 2:00PM