Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2014 8:07AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Above freezing alpine temperatures are expected to continue. Check out the new Forecaster Blog for an update on the “Touchy Weak Layer.”

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Thursday: Warm air is expected to be trapped in the alpine overnight (temperature inversion), and continue to bring above freezing temperatures to the alpine on Thursday. Light Southwest winds are forecast overnight becoming Northerly when the arctic front slides down from the North. There is a chance of flurries Thursday evening depending on the timing of the cooler air.Friday: Freezing levels should drop down to valley bottoms overnight and then rise up to about 1000 metres with strong solar radiation and gusty Northeast outflow winds.Saturday: Clear and cold overnight. Gusty strong Northerly outflow winds becoming light Westerly as cloud moves into the region in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new large avalanches reported. Some thin wind slab releases up to size 1.5 due to reverse loading were reported. Snow-balling and moist loose avalanches were reported from Southerly aspects. Extensive explosive control did not result in any releases on the deeply buried weak layer in the Coquihalla area on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

In the southern portion of the region up to 200 cm of settled storm snow sits on a crust/facet combination buried in mid February. In northern sections this weakness includes surface hoar and is generally down 60-100 cm. Recent snowpack tests indicate that this weak layer may be gaining strength, but professionals remain suspect. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. However, basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in the north of the region and still deserve respect on thin rocky alpine slopes.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The deeply buried weak layer continues to be sensitive to additional loads. Cornice falls or loose wet avalanches in motion may trigger the deep weak layer of facets and crusts.

Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong indicators of unstable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Loose Wet

Forecast solar radiation and above freezing temperatures in the alpine may release loose moist or wet snow avalanches. Avalanches in motion may step down to the deeply buried weak layer of facets and crusts.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2014 2:00PM