Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 26 – 27, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Don't linger underneath cornices. If the sun comes out, avoid sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Hard wind slabs may be difficult to spot once buried below new snow.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Large cornices are looming. These could fail under the weight of a person, or on their own. A cornice fall can also trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The first in a series of fronts is expected to bring light snow overnight Friday, with moderate south-westerly winds and the freezing level dropping to around 1300 m. There is a lull on Saturday before a second front brings light snow and moderate to strong winds again on Sunday. Another lull is expected on Monday.

Avalanche Summary

Size 1-2 loose wet avalanches were failing on steep solar aspects over the last couple of days. A few small wind slabs were triggered by skiers on Tuesday. Cornices are large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.

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