Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2015 8:02AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Snow! Finally! But also elevated avalanche danger. Play safe.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Snowfall tapers to light flurries on Friday and Saturday, before the next storm system arrives on Sunday, bringing moderate snow. Winds are moderate to strong throughout the period, switching from SW to NW on Saturday, and back to SW on Sunday. The freezing level climbs to near 1500 m ahead of Sundayâ€™s storm but drops with the arrival of precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

At the time of writing, no avalanches have been reported, but I expect a natural cycle occurred today in response to snow and wind-loading.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and strong SW winds are likely to have built wind slabs on lee features, and storm slabs in more sheltered spots. These overlie a variety of interfaces including old hard wind slabs, a sun crust, a rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Keep an eye out for cornices that could fail.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind have left slabs which could be triggered naturally or by a person. These may include wind slabs lee to the SW, and storm slabs on other aspects.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2015 2:00PM