Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2017 3:34PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Watch for lingering wind slabs in high north facing terrain and loose sluffing on steep sun exposed slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Lingering flurries are possible Wednesday morning and sunny conditions are expected Wednesday afternoon. Alpine wind is expected to be light from the west and treeline temperatures are forecast to be around -5C. Similar conditions are expected for Thursday and Friday with mostly sunny skies, light alpine wind, and treeline temperatures remaining around -5C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently. On Wednesday, lingering wind slabs are the main concern. Look for these in immediately leeward features on northerly aspects in exposed high elevation terrain. Sluffing from steep sun exposed slopes is also possible during the heat of the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now down around 30-50 cm. Recent reports suggest the recent snow is well bonded to the crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely still moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. Moderate southerly wind during the storm may have formed wind slabs at ridge crests.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Reactive wind slabs may still be lingering in high north facing terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas where the surface snow feels stiff or slabby.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

It may be possible to trigger loose sluffs on steep sun exposed slopes during the heat of the afternoon.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2017 2:00PM