Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 6th, 2012–Feb 7th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Mainly sunny with no precipitation. Moderate outflow (easterly to northerly, low elevation) winds easing. Freezing level around 700m during the day and valley floor at night. Warm alpine temperatures.Wednesday: Light precipitation as a weak system approaches the coast late in the day. Light southerly winds. Freezing level rising to around 1000m. Thursday: Moderate precipitation associated with a frontal band is forecast, with some uncertainty about amounts and timing. Light to moderate south-west winds. Freezing level rising to around 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

A few cornice falls have been observed over the past couple of days. Wind loading led to a localized avalanche cycle near Stewart on Sunday. Several solar-triggered avalanches have been observed on sunny slopes during the heat of the day.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds from the east and south-east have created new slabs at treeline and above. Temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist or wet weak surface snow conditions. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to be well settled. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests. It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. Cornices will be weakest during the heat of the day and have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Direct sun and warming can trigger loose avalanches, especially in steep south-facing terrain. It might be hotter at alpine elevations than in the valley, so be aware of what's cooking above you.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 3 - 7

Cornices

Large cornices are looming over some slopes and could act as a trigger for avalanches if they collapse.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 3 - 7

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created new wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4