Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
As you travel, look for the snow to moisten on sun-exposed slopes and be observant for lingering wind slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level below valley bottom.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.
THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1200 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Sluffing was observed in steep terrain on Monday. A couple slabs were observed in the north of the region, likely releasing on the weekend from cornice falls.
Snowpack Summary
Clear skies have formed a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed aspects, which will moisten during daytime heating. Soft snow should prevail on shaded and sheltered aspects, which overlies hard surfaces and potentially surface hoar in sheltered terrain around treeline. Isolated wind slabs may still linger in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine.
The midpack is well-settled.
In the north part of the region (ie. Goldbridge/Duffey/Hurley), a few deep instabilities exist in the snowpack, including a weak basal facet-crust complex. Sporadic avalanche activity on this layer is keeping it on our radar. In the south of the region, including the Coquihalla and Manning areas, there are no concerns about deeply buried weak layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may linger in steep, alpine terrain. Be mindful that wind slab avalanches can serve as a trigger for deeper weak layers, resulting in large and destructive avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Sun-exposed slopes will warm up with daytime heat. Wet loose avalanches could sweep you off your feet and push you into terrain traps, such as gullies or cliffs. Cornices will also weaken during the day. Stand well back of them on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2020 5:00PM
