Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2019 3:57PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Stiff wind slabs could be reactive to human triggers at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Increasing cloud cover and light snowfall amounts are forecast with the incoming weather system. Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures near -5 with light ridgetop winds from the northwest.Friday: Cloudy with snow amounts 5-10 cm. Treeline temperatures near -6 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -8 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a MIN report from Mt. Anif showed substantial wind loading and a reactive wind slab problem at treeline and alpine elevations. Check it out HERE. Loose dry sluffing from steeper terrain features up to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, 40-60 cm of storm snow fell last weekend and sits above a crust or heavily wind affected old snow surfaces. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. Loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. At treeline elevation and below 5-10 cm of snow from last weekend now sits on a supportive crust and feathery surface hoar crystals are forming on the surface. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Sifting winds and strong outflows have formed reactive wind slabs on a variety of aspects at upper elevations. Loose dry sluffing of the recent storm snow can be found in steeper terrain features.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2019 2:00PM