Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2017 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

Storm slabs will grow a bit thicker with 10 cm of new snow in the forecast. Be ready for human triggering potential to persist through Sunday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow. Winds light to moderate from the southwest. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds light to moderate from the northeast. Freezing level to 900 metres with alpine temperatures of -1 Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds light to moderate from the southwest. Freezing level to 400 metres with alpine teperatures of -4. Tuesday: Flurries bringing up to 10 cm of new snow, beginning in the afternoon. Winds moderate to strong from the southwest. Freezing level to 700 metres with alpine temperatures of -2.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow fell over the South Coast region over Thursday night, with average new snow amounts closer to 5 cm. In some areas, the new snow overlies up to 3cm of recent graupel accumulation. Below the new snow and graupel, the previous snow surface is a mix of sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The new snow's bond to these surfaces will take some time to form. Older storm snow can be found below the new snow interface and it is reportedly well bonded to the widespread mid-February rain crust, now found down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. The crust itself is supportive and roughly 20cm thick. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of heavy rain from last week.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
With another 10 cm in the forecast, up to 25 cm of new snow will have accumulated in some parts of the South Coast by Sunday morning. A poor bond is expected at the new snow interface, so storm slabs are likely to remain reactive on Sunday.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2017 2:00PM

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