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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 26th, 2021–Feb 27th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

South Coast Inland.

The Coquihalla is the hot-spot of the region having received 40 cm recent storm snow. Northerly winds are expected to set up reverse-loading conditions in exposed terrain.

Confidence

Low - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear and cold. Light northwesterly winds.

SATURDAY: Clear in the morning with increasing cloud through the day. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level around 800 m.

SUNDAY: Flurries. Moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.

MONDAY: 10-15 cm new snow. Strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small slab avalanches were reported from the last couple of days in the recent storm snow. Recent heavy snow in the Coquihalla area make this the most likely place in the region to trigger an avalanche until the next storm arrives.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow was variable across the region with the Coquihalla receiving around 40 cm and other area more like 10. Winds shifted from southwesterly to northwesterly so reverse-loading on southerly aspects should be considered. The sun could play a role too, potentially activating recently-formed wind slabs on slopes that face the sun.

A weak layer composed of a crust, facets or surface hoar depending on elevation/aspect is now down 70-120 cm. This layer that was buried in late January continues to be noted in snowpack tests with mixed results. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer. Large triggers, such as an avalanche in motion, cornice fall, or intense loading from snow/ wind and/or a rapid rise in temperature can awaken these deeper weak layers.

The lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.

Terrain and Travel

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.