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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 15th, 2019–Feb 16th, 2019

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast.

Friday's storm has left touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Be extra cautious around steep slopes and convex terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow tapering off in the evening with minimal accumulations overnight, light south wind, alpine temperatures drop to -3 C.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with some light isolated flurries, light south wind, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread avalanche activity was reported on the North Shore mountains on Friday. Ski cutting produced numerous small (size 1) slab avalanches in the top 20 cm of snow, as well a few notable larger avalanches (up to size 2.5). Many of the avalanches showed impressive propagation, with some being triggered remotely (from a distance) and on a few occasions stepping down to a 50 cm deep crust layer (see this MIN report). Avalanches were most reactive on west and south aspects.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of snow from Friday has formed widespread touchy storm slabs. These slabs showed signs of bonding poorly to underlying crusts, particularly on west and south aspects. Furthermore, storm snow has been reactive above a 50 cm deep crust that was buried in early February. The snowpack is well-settled and strong below this crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.