Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2019 4:23PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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

Summary

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2019 2:00PM

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