Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Feb 21 – 22, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Overnight snowfall amounts Monday are uncertain. That being said, wind slabs will be the main concern as moderate to strong winds are expected to blow in the alpine and treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent new snow combined with moderate wind from a variety of directions has promoted new wind slab formation on a variety of aspects.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    A layer weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most likely to be problematic in steep, unsupported, wind-loaded terrain in the northern part of the region (Hurley).

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Most recent reports indicate wind slab avalanche activity to size 1 and 1.5 in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow accumulation is being redistributed by moderate southwest winds.

A melt-freeze crust from late January can found down 60-80 cm. At the moment this layer appears to be gaining strength though in isolated areas small facets can still found above the crust.

There is a widespread weak layer of large sugary of facets at the bottom of the snowpack. . Snowpack depths around treeline range between 150 to 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 5-15cm. Wind moderate to strong southwest. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1-3cm. Wind light to moderate northeast. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy. Wind light to moderate east and northeast. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Wind moderate northeast wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

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