Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2019–Feb 27th, 2019

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

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

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

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Wind affected snow at upper elevations is the primary concern. Shooting cracks and whumphing are good indicators of wind slabs.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -8 and ridgetop winds light from the northeast.THURSDAY: The southern part of the region including the Coquihalla and Alison Pass area will likely see cloudy skies and snow amounts 5-10 cm. A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries is forecast for the DuffyFRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Trace of new snow and alpine temperatures near -10. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, reports indicted no recent slab avalanche activity and isolated sluffing from steeper terrain features. On Saturday, several small (size 1) wind slabs were triggered in northern parts of the region. Loose dry sluffing was also reported in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent switching wind has formed pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain on most aspects, these are currently more reactive on southerly aspects. New surface hoar and needle crystals are forming up to 5 mm on most aspects and elevations. The top 20 to 40 cm of the snowpack consists of low density snow that is gradually bonding to old hard surfaces that include crusts and wind-packed snow. Low-density snow may sluff easily from these hard surfaces.In some isolated features, the snow has settled into thin slabs above these hard surfaces. However, the remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Northeast winds are forming fresh slabs in exposed terrain, while pockets of old wind slabs can be found on all aspects.

Use caution in steep terrain or above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2