Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2017 4:38PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

New snow and wind is driving the danger ratings. Reactive storm slabs are the primary concern and conservative terrain selection is key.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The weather pattern has finally shifted as a surface low moves onto the Coast bringing new snow through the weekend. Saturday: Snow amounts 8-15 cm with light- gusting strong southwest winds. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 600 m. Sunday: Snow amounts up to 5-10 cm with strong southwest winds. Alpine temperatures -3 and freezing levels 500 m. Monday: Trace of snow with light southwest winds. Alpine temperatures near -6.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported on Friday. Reactive storm slabs will be the primary concern and loose dry sluffing from steeper terrain features are likely.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 15 cm of new snow has buried old snow surfaces which consist of a firm crust and hard wind press. The new storm snow will likely have a poor bond tho these surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth up to 300 cm at treeline.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Reactive storm slabs continue to build through the weekend and will likely have a poor bond to old snow surfaces. Sluffing from steeper terrain features is likely.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2017 2:00PM