Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Feb 28 – Mar 1, 2015Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Are you a member of Avalanche Canada? Join today at avalanche.ca/membership.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Direct sun may weaken the upper snowpack and lead to loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3–6
    This is a low probability problem with large consequences. A weak basal layer resulted in several full depth avalanches during the last sunny period, which could be repeated this weekend. Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes during the afternoon.

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Apart from some light snow or flurries on Sunday, the next few days look dry and cool. Winds are moderate to strong from the north quarter (although the direction will vary locally).

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday and Friday, several size 1 skier initiated avalanches were reported. It is expected that these were thin wind slabs. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects. If the region gets substantial warming and sun again, isolated events like these could once again become active. Loose sluffs from steep sun exposed slopes are also possible.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices may be sensitive to warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small. On other slopes, variable surfaces include a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.

Regions covered