Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2019 3:55PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Stiff wind slabs in the alpine are decreasing in sensitivity to human triggers. Lingering reactive wind slabs are most likely in wind-loaded areas: below ridgelines, under cornices, and around steep, unsupported features.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures near -10C. Ridgetop winds strong to extreme from the northeast.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -6C. Ridgetop winds strong decreasing to moderate from the northeast.SUNDAY: Sunny with clouds, chance of flurries overnight. Treeline temperatures near -7C. Ridgetop winds light from the east.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -8C. Ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Recent winds developed slabs on steep, alpine features. On Monday MIN from Mt. Anif showed substantial wind loading and a reactive wind slab problem at treeline and alpine elevations (see report here). Wind slabs were most reactive early in the week, however winds continue to redistribute loose, dry snow.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, 40-60 cm of wind affected snow sits above a crust or old wind pressed snow surfaces. This tapers significantly below treeline and new surface hoar is forming. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. Loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds and strong outflows have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at upper elevations. Loose dry sluffing of the recent storm snow can be found in steeper terrain features at all elevations.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2019 2:00PM