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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 16th, 2012–Feb 17th, 2012
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday: 8-12cm of snow arriving late in the day and continuing overnight / moderate to strong southwest winds / freezing level at 1200m Saturday: Light snowfall / light and variable winds / freezing level at 1100m Sunday: Trace amounts of snow / moderate southwesterly winds / freezing level at 800m

Avalanche Summary

Isolated very soft slabs to size 1 were reported in the Whistler area on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

In general the snowpack is now well bonded. Recent light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs and surface facets. This light snowfall has been redistributed by moderate alpine winds and has formed small wind slabs on lee features. The underlying crusts have formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted and facets may also exist in combination with crusts. The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh snow and variable winds have formed isolated wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. The wind slab problem will increase as the next system intensifies late Friday.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2