Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2013 9:44AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mFriday: Heavy snowfall (moderate snowfall in the north of the region) / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mSaturday: Light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 800m

Avalanche Summary

In recent days, sporadic glide releases to size 3 occurred in response to warming on the steep, smooth rock slabs on the Coquihalla. No other recent activity was noted.

Snowpack Summary

Dribs and drabs of snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and up on the Coquihalla have been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations. On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. This interface may be the one to watch with additional loading forecast for Friday. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar. These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for newly forming windslabs in wind exposed treeline and alpine features, especially near ridge crest.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2013 2:00PM