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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 21st, 2017–Feb 22nd, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

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

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.

Avalanche 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