Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 7th, 2019–Feb 8th, 2019

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Stiff wind slabs may continue to be reactive to human triggers. Loose dry sluffing is likely with the new snow.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The Coquihalla may see higher snowfall amounts.THURSDAY NIGHT: 5 cm of new snow. Alpine temperatures near -10 and ridgetop winds light from the northeast.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snow amounts 5-15 cm. Alpine temperatures near -8 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -16 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast. SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -14. Ridgetop winds mostly light from the northeast with strong gusts.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a few natural small wind slabs up to size 1 were reported in the northern part of the region. Otherwise, no new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow and sifting winds from last weekend has formed wind slabs predominantly on southerly aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park but is unreactive at this time.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds has formed stiff wind slabs predominantly on southerly aspects. Loose dry sluffing of the new snow will likely occur from steeper terrain features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2