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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 3rd, 2017–Mar 4th, 2017
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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: South Coast.

While you're sleeping Friday night, strong SW wind is expected to fuel another round of natural avalanches. While the light wind and lack of snowfall on Saturday may seam benign, the mountains are currently primed for human triggered avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A deep upper trough is moving through BC this weekend. A few disturbances are expected to continue to deliver moderate precipitation into southwestern BC through Friday night. As the trough exits Saturday, snowfall is expected to cease as the freezing level drops to near sea level. Sunday offers a break in the action before modest snowfall begins again on Monday.FRIDAY NIGHT: 5 to 15 cm of snow, strong to extreme southwest wind.SATURDAY: Overcast skies, freezing level beginning around 500m rising to 750m in the afternoon, light SW wind, no significant precipitation expected. SUNDAY: Overcast skies, freezing level beginning around 500m rising to 750m in the afternoon, light SW wind, no significant precipitation expected. MONDAY: Overcast skies, freezing level around 500m, moderate SW wind, 5 to 10 cm of snow. Visit avalanche.ca/weather for a more detailed mountain weather forecast.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle has likely occurred at upper elevations. Natural avalanche activity may persist through Friday night as strong to extreme winds blow out of the south/southwest. Many slopes, especially those in wind loaded terrain remain very sensitive to human triggering.

Snowpack Summary

The mountains of the South Coast received 30 to 70 cm of snow Thursday night adding to the 50 cm accumulated over the last few days. This storm slab is bonding poorly to a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks were reported at and below treeline on Friday. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow and southwesterly winds have likely formed deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are expected to be highly sensitive to human triggering.  These slabs will likely be particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes.
Limit overhead hazard and take a conservative approach with your terrain selection this weekend.Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and/or wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3