Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2013 9:39AM

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

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South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Freezing Level: 500m in the morning increasing to near 1000m in the afternoon. Wind: Light NE, No significant precip.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.  10 - 15 cm of snow expected during the day.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Sunday was limited to fast moving sluffs.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall in the Duffey Lakes area and up on the Coquihala has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.  On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar.  These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Watch for small windslabs 10 - 20 cm in depth in wind exposed treeline and alpine features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Plan escape routes and identify safe zones before committing to your line.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2013 2:00PM

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