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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2014–Mar 16th, 2014
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The storm is expected to end on Sunday evening. A ridge of high pressure will build in the wake of the storm system. Dry, sunny conditions are expected for Monday into Tuesday. The next frontal system should reach the south coast on Tuesday night.Sat. Night/Sunday: Snowfall 25-35cm, freezing level am: 1800m pm: 1500m, ridgetop winds 30-50 km/h SW easing during the day.Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, light scattered flurries 0-3cm, freezing level am: 600m pm: 1000m, ridgetop winds light NWTuesday: A mix of sun and cloud, dry conditions with the possibility of light snow in the evening, freezing level am: 500m pm: 1200m, ridgetop winds light W-NW

Avalanche Summary

No new reports from Saturday at the time of publishing.  Limited information from the Sea-to-Sky region suggests that the avalanche activity on Saturday was limited to wind loaded features.  Widespread activity is expected for Saturday night and Sunday as the storm progresses.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow is sitting on a weak layer consisting of a well-developed sun crust on solar aspects, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and a widespread temperature/rain crust at lower elevations. Strong SW storm winds is forming new wind slabs on leeward slopes.The warm weather has resulted in good settlement of the snowpack and most of the layers are well bonded. There are still two weak layers that remain a concern but the problem is becoming isolated. However, the weight of the new storm snow may reactive these layers. Before the storm, the early March layer was down 60-100cm and the early Feb layer is down roughly 1.5m. It seems like these persistent weak layers are more of a concern in the northern parts of the region but may still pose a threat in the Coq and south.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfall and strong winds continue to build storm slabs. Expect stiffer wind slabs in leeward features from strong S-SW wind.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

There are two deep persistent weak layers of concern within the snowpack. These have been quiet recently but may reactivate with the weight of the new storm snow. Smaller avalanches have the potential to step down to one of these deeper layers.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6