Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2019 4:15PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Wind slabs in the alpine and treeline are the primary concern. Expect the temperature to fall as cold air invades from the north.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY Night: Mainly cloudy, light to moderate east wind, alpine temperature -15 C.SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -17 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -19 C.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -13 C.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in the region on Friday or Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of new snow with moderate southwesterly winds is sitting on a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below.A crust that recently formed right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m is now buried 50-80 cm deep. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow fell with moderate southwest wind, which has promoted wind slab development in lee terrain.

Stay alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Around 50-80 cm of snow sits above a weak layer of surface hoar. This layer is most likely found in shaded and sheltered areas between 1700 m and 2000 m.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls between 1700 and 2000m

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

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2019 2:00PM