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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 17th, 2019–Feb 18th, 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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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

Regions: South Coast.

Triggering storm slabs remains a lingering concern on steep and convex terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperatures drop to -6 C.MONDAY: Sunny with increasing cloud later in the day, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -6 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light flurries, accumulations of 5 cm, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -4 C.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light north wind, alpine high temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has quieted down as storm slabs are gradually bonding to underlying crusts.A few small (size 1) avalanches were triggered by skiers on Saturday. On Friday, widespread avalanche activity was reported on the North Shore mountains. Ski cutting produced numerous small (size 1) slab avalanches in the top 30 cm of snow, as well a few notable larger avalanches (up to size 2.5). These avalanches showed impressive propagation, with some being triggered remotely (from a distance) and on a few occasions stepping down to a 50 cm deep crust layer. Evidence of natural activity was also observed when the weather cleared up. Avalanches were most reactive on west and south aspects. Read more about these avalanches in MIN reports here and here.

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm of recent storm snow is gradually bonding to underlying crust layers. Because of the cold temperatures and weak snow around the crusts, storm slabs are expected to take longer than usual to strengthen. New sun crusts may be found on the surface of south-facing aspects, while wind slabs may be found in exposed terrain. The lower snowpack is settled and strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

30-50 cm of recent storm snow may be poorly bonded to crusts.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2