Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Danger ratings reflect conditions during the hottest part of the day. When it is cool, danger ratings will be lower. Become a member of Avalanche Canada today.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The next three days look dry. Temperatures warm on Sunday, when the freezing level is forecast to spike up to around 2400 m and stay there through Monday. Winds are light to moderate from the north.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices may be large and fragile. In some locations, wind slabs may be found in alpine terrain. On high, shady slopes, low density dry snow overlies a crust. Sunny slopes are likely to follow a melt-freeze cycle over the next few days (soft and weak surface by day; with limited refreezing by night). Recently formed crusts at or near the snowpack surface are strong and supportive below about 2200 m. At higher elevations and on shady aspects, crusts have less strength. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-consolidated. Below treeline, there is limited snow cover.

Problems

Cornices

Large and fragile cornices may collapse. Isolated areas of wind slab may also be found.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Loose Wet

As temperatures warm this weekend, watch for loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2015 2:00PM