Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2013 10:08AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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 windsÂ / 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.

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

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2013 2:00PM