Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2013–Feb 21st, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Regions: South Coast.

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.

Avalanche 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