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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 3rd, 2013–Mar 4th, 2013
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
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
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

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: No snow. Sunny breaks. Light winds. Freezing level around 1200 m.Tuesday: Light snow. Light S winds. Freezing level around 1100 m.Wednesday: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level around 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle to size 3.5 occurred on Friday and Saturday. Numerous large slabs failed on a surface hoar/crust weakness. Loose wet avalanches were prevalent below treeline, and a size 2.5 wet slab was reported, gouging to ground in the lower track on Saturday.  

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm delivered 60-70 mm of precipitation, which fell with warming temperatures, dropping rain below about 1800 m. A subsequent drop in temperature has left a supportive frozen crust up to treeline. Strong south to south-westerly winds during the storm created touchy wind slabs on lee terrain. A weak layer of buried surface hoar and/or a crust was overloaded during the storm, creating a widespread avalanche cycle. The lower snowpack is well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Southwest winds have set up touchy wind slabs which could be triggered by the weight of a person.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow may still be touchy, especially where it sits above a persistent weak layer in areas which didn't avalanche during the recent storm. Direct sun could weaken storm snow.
Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>Be cautious in areas that have not avalanched recently.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 7