Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 6th, 2019–Feb 7th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Wind slabs have developed on a variety of aspects due to shifting winds. Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but human triggered avalanches remain possible.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Increasing cloud cover and light snowfall amounts are forecast with the incoming weather system. The weekend will remain cold.THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -5 with light ridgetop winds from the southwest.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snow amounts 5-10 cm. Alpine temperatures near -10 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast. SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -16 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, no new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow from last weekend was initially redistributed by southwesterly winds shifting to northeasterly forming stiff wind slabs on most aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Switching winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at upper elevations.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2