Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 1st, 2017–Mar 2nd, 2017

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: South Coast.

Incoming snow, wind, and warming temperatures will increase avalanche hazard over the next several days.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Continued snow with another 20 to 30 cm by evening, or more for the North Shore, accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds. Temperatures slightly warmer with freezing level peaking around 1000 m.FRIDAY: Still snowing with another 15 to 25 cm by Friday evening with continued strong SW winds. Temperatures cooling slightly with freezing level falling to 700 m.SATURDAY: Even more snow with another 10-15cm expected by the afternoon. Freezing levels hovering around 700 m and winds easing to light southerlies.

Avalanche Summary

Only small sluffing reported. With an incoming storm forecast the potential for slab avalanches (wind slab and storm slabs) will increase.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10-25cm of fresh snow adds to the 15-20 cm of recent snow, sitting on a mix of sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects with bonds beginning to strengthen. However, southwesterly winds have likely deposited deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The widespread 20 cm thick mid-February rain crust, is now down around 50-60 cm at higher elevations. Below the crust, the snowpack is well settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are expected to be highly sensitive to triggering and particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Storm snow is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3