Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2014 8:14AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southerly winds / Freezing level at 1300mTuesday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds with extreme gusts / Freezing level at 1300mWednesday: Mix of sun and cloud with a possibility of flurries / Light ridgetop winds / Freezing level at 900m

Avalanche Summary

On Friday a skier remotely triggered a size 2 slab avalanche on a northwest facing alpine slope just north of the region. On Saturday, 2 size 2 skier-triggered avalanches (1 was remotely triggered from 25m) occurred in the Monashees. The February 10th interface is thought to be the culprit in these events. A few remotely triggered size 1 hard wind slabs were also noted on Saturday in exposed lee terrain. They formed in response to strong winds and redistribution of surface snow on Friday night.

Snowpack Summary

A developing storm slab overlies surface hoar in sheltered areas, a sun crust on solar aspects and touchy thin wind slabs in exposed terrain. The big news remains a mix of weak surfaces which were buried on February 10th. This persistent interface lies between 70 and 120cm below the surface, and includes surface hoar, well developed facets and a mix of hard surfaces which remain widespread at all aspects and elevations. Although avalanche activity has generally tapered-off at this interface, large destructive avalanches are still a very real concern with ongoing reports of remote-triggering, "whumpfing" and sudden snowpack test results. For the most part, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well consolidated.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A deep and destructive slab overlies a variety of weak layers and is still touchy in some areas. Put the odds in your favour by avoiding steep, unsupported slopes, areas with a thin or variable snowpack, or terrain with a significant overhead hazard.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Storm Slabs

New snowfall is forming storm slabs which overlie a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Watch for increased reactivity in wind exposed terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2014 2:00PM