Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 17, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Avoid avalanche terrain on Saturday. Intense snowfall and a reactive crust will make conditions very dangerous.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Large cornices have formed along ridgelines. Cornices are inherently unstable, unpredictable, and demand respect. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely - Certain
    Size
    1–2.5
    Thick storm slabs are forming above a widespread crust. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely during the storm.

Confidence

High - on Saturday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Heavy snow starting Friday night with 30-40 cm possible by the end of the day, strong south wind, freezing level around 700 m with alpine high temperatures around -2 C. SUNDAY: Some isolated flurries with clearing throughout the day, moderate northeast wind, freezing level dropping with alpine high temperatures around -6 C.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

Avalanche Summary

Storm snow on the crust has been reactive since Wednesday, producing both natural and skier-triggered avalanches in the size 1-2 range at treeline elevations. See here for an example.Expect storm slabs to become much thicker and touchier on Saturday given the poor bond between the new snow and the crust.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow is accumulating above a hard rain crust that extends into alpine terrain. Reports indicate the snow is poorly bonded to the crust. By Saturday afternoon, storm slabs will likely be over 50 cm thick and become very touchy. There are no significant layers of concern below the crust.

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