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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2013–Feb 16th, 2013
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
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.

Avalanche danger ratings are for the Terrace area based on 10-15cm of new snow by Saturday morning. New snow accumulations have been much higher in North of the region where the Avalanche Danger is rated as HIGH.

Confidence

Poor - Track of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Moderate snowfall Friday night (heavy snowfall in the north), easing on Saturday / Extreme southwest winds on Friday night easing to moderate and northwesterly on Saturday / Freezing level at 300mSunday: Light snowfall / Moderate west winds  / Freezing level at 300mMonday: Light snowfall / Light southeast winds / Freezing level at 300m

Avalanche Summary

Although observations were limited on Friday, significant avalanche activity is expected in response to the current weather pattern, particularly in the north of the region where snowfall amounts have been the highest.

Snowpack Summary

As of Friday, variable amounts of new snow (~5-15cm in the south/ ~50cm in the north) were shifted into stiff and significantly deeper wind slabs at higher elevations while rain penetrated snow surfaces at lower elevations. The new snow overlies heavy accumulations from earlier in the week that have most likely gained considerable strength. I would imagine that with the ongoing weather pattern, significant cornice development has also taken place.The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast snowfall will create ongoing slab avalanche conditions at higher elevations, especially in areas exposed to strong winds.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4