Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2013 9:11AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Light to moderate snowfall occurring late in the day / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mSunday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 500mMonday: Trace amounts of new snow / Light west winds / Freezing level at 400m

Avalanche Summary

Cornice falls to size 3 have been reported from various parts of the region, which likely occurred in response to strong daily temperature fluctuations. In the north of the region cornice fall triggered slabs, one of which failed at ground level.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds winds from earlier in the week have created hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain; however, over the past few days these have likely gained considerable strength. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets or surface hoar. A sun crust or moist snow exists on south facing slopes, depending on the time of day. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and intensifying winds late Saturday are likely to create new windslabs in exposed terrain.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Watch for hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices continue to fail naturally. Use extra caution during periods of intense solar radiation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2013 2:00PM