Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 9, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The first hit of sunshine could trigger storm slabs and loose snow avalanches from steeper, alpine features.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Large cornices have formed and they remain fragile. Cornices are unpredictable and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    New storm slabs may have a poor bond to the underlying crust and be reactive at upper alpine elevations. Loose dry avalanches are possible from steep terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with treeline temperatures near -4 and freezing levels dropping to 400 m. Ridgetop winds light from the North.Saturday: Sunny. Treeline temperatures near -3 and freezing levels valley bottom. Light winds from the North.Sunday: Some cloud with light flurries. Treeline temperatures near -3 and freezing levels valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche reports on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to get snow. With a forecast cooling trend, the upper snowpack will likely lock up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.

Regions covered