Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Feb 28 – Mar 1, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. These can be triggered by a person, but have been reported to be mainly small.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Sun may weaken the surface snow, causing loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3–6
    This is a low probability problem with large consequences. A weak basal layer resulted in several full depth avalanches during the last sunny period which could be repeated this weekend. Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes during the afternoon.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Apart from some light snow or flurries on Sunday, the next few days look dry and cool. Winds are moderate to strong from the north quarter (although wind direction will vary locally).

Avalanche Summary

Avalanches are generally unlikely, but small loose sluffing from steep sun exposed slopes is possible during warm parts of the day. Cornice fall and thin wind slabs may be triggered by people. Last week several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects. As we get increased sun and warming, these types of large isolated avalanches could once again become a problem.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices may be sensitive to warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be lurking on slopes lee to outflow winds. A dusting of recent snow may overlie old variable snow surfaces including wind slabs, a sun crust or old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be persisting.

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