Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2013 9:28AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday: No snow expected. Sunny breaks. Light winds. Freezing level around 600 m.Monday: No snow. Sunny breaks. Light winds. Freezing level around 700 m..Tuesday: No snow. Light winds. Freezing level 0 m.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle occurred in response to snow and wind-loading on Wednesday/Thursday, with several slabs of size 2-3, and a few in the size 3-4 range. The largest event failed as the entire snowpack on basal facets.

Snowpack Summary

About 40-70 cm recent storm snow is beginning to settle and stabilize. Recent strong, variable winds left wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. Direct sun may weaken the snowpack on sunny aspects over the next few days. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried in the upper snowpack, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Watch out for cornices, as they are fragile and can act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be northern regions, where basal facets are reported.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow may be most sensitive to triggering on wind-loaded slopes or where affected by direct sun.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2013 2:00PM