Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2014 8:28AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Forecast snowfall amounts vary dramatically across the region. Tuesday's danger ratings may reach high in the Coquihalla area if new snowfall amounts exceed 20cm.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snowfall throughout the day becoming heavy through the evening / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mWednesday: Continued heavy snowfall in the early morning becoming light / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mThursday: Moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported, although observations were likely limited due to reduced visibility. I expect touchy storm slab activity with the current weather pattern.

Snowpack Summary

A developing storm slab overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Strong winds are likely shifting the new snow into wind slabs in exposed terrain. As the new slab develops and gains cohesion, I would expect it to have a poor bond with any of these old surfaces.The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in the north of the region, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
A developing storm slab sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Reactivity is most likely in wind-exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.
Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2014 2:00PM

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