Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2013 9:05AM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Freezing Level: 250m increasing to 800 in the afternoon. Wind: Light SW.  No significant precip.Thursday: Freezing Level: 500m increasing slightly during the day.  Wind initially light SW increasing to strong SW in the afternoon.  5 - 10 cm of snow expected during the day.Thursday Night: Freezing Level: 900m, 20 -40 cm expectedFriday: Freezing Level: Initially 900m, falling throughout the day. 10 – 25 expected during the day.

Avalanche Summary

We continue to receive observations of isolated small soft slabs in the alpine that are sensitive to skier triggering.

Snowpack Summary

Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest. In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
You may find the odd small wind slab in isolated terrain in the Alpine. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridge crests too.
Be careful with pockets of wind slab near ridge crest.>Plan escape routes and identify safe zones before committing to your line.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2013 2:00PM