Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2019 3:41PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Strong outflow winds have produced stiff and firm wind slabs. Reactive wind slabs are most likely in wind-loaded areas: below ridgelines, under cornices, and around steep, unsupported features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear. Treeline temperatures near -10C. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.SUNDAY: Sunny with clouds and chance of flurries overnight, trace to 5 cm accumulation. Treeline temperatures near -10C. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the east.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -9C. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation. Treeline temperatures near -9C. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Recent winds developed slabs on steep, alpine features. Wind slabs were most reactive early in the week, however strong outflow winds continue to any redistribute loose, dry snow.Last Monday, a MIN from Mt. Anif showed substantial wind loading and a reactive wind slab problem at treeline and alpine elevations (see report here).

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine and along ridgetops, 20-40 cm of wind affected snow sits above a crust or old wind pressed snow surfaces. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. In sheltered areas, loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. Winds are impacting all elevations, however surface hoar development may be found in the most sheltered areas at treeline and below. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds and strong outflows have formed stiff pockets of wind slab in wind-loaded terrain. The most reactive wind slabs will be found in steep, unsupported terrain and immediate lee features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, hollow sounds or shooting cracks.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2019 2:00PM