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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 4th, 2020–Feb 5th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Coast.

Wind slabs at upper elevations will be the main concern as new snow accumulates and the wind blows from a variety of directions Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday Night: Flurries, accumulation 10-15 cm at upper elevations. Moderate to strong west wind. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing level 500 m.

Wednesday: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate to strong northwest wind. Alpine high 1 C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 10-15 cm. Alpine high 3 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday: Mainly cloudy with flurries starting in the afternoon. Alpine high -1 C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

There are no new reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of new snow sits over a thick rain crust. The snowpack below the crust has likely switched from moist or wet snow to a solid crust with recent cold temperatures. Snowpack depths are suspected to be in the range of 150-250 cm around the peaks of the north shore mountains (1400 m), tapering quickly with elevation to almost nothing below 1000 m.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.