Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Feb 21 – 22, 2015Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Highlights

Danger ratings reflect conditions during the hottest part of the day. At times of cool temperatures, danger ratings will be lower.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Cornices are fragile and may collapse, especially during warm periods. A cornice fall could trigger an avalanche on the slope below. Wind slabs may be found on lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    As temperatures warm this weekend, watch for loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Expect warm and mainly dry weather for the next three days. The freezing level is forecast to spike up to around 2500 m on Saturday afternoon and stay there through Monday. Winds are light to moderate from the north.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-1.5 loose wet avalanches failed on steep sunny slopes yesterday. In the far north, two cornices collapsed and each triggered a size 3 slab on the slope below. Avalanche danger is expected to be lower in the cool parts of the day, and rise during warm, sunny periods. As temperatures rise, also keep in mind the possibility of glide slabs releasing on smooth rock surfaces - avoid traveling on or under slopes sporting glide cracks.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are weak and may fail with warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found in the alpine. On steep, sunny slopes, it is likely that soft, moist snow will develop by day, and crusts may form at night. Below treeline, the snowpack is becoming more uniform as warmth penetrates through. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas, and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Smooth rock slabs may act as a sliding surface for the entire snowpack to glide on in specific locations as temperatures rise.

Regions covered