Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2018 4:31PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A spike in natural avalanche activity may occur due to strong solar effect.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The weather pattern has taken a dramatic shift as the arctic ridge becomes the dominant weather feature through the weekend, bringing colder temperatures and mostly clear skies.Saturday: Clear skies and treeline temperatures near -2. Ridgetop winds light from the North. Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 500 m. Ridgetop winds light from the northwest.Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures near -1 and freezing levels 600 m. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to get snow. With forecast cold temperatures, the upper snowpack will likely lock up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may have a poor bond to the underlying crust and be reactive at upper alpine elevations. Loose dry avalanches are possible from steep terrain features.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

Large cornices have formed and they remain fragile. Cornices are unpredictable and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.Falling cornices may trigger avalanches on slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2018 2:00PM