Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Mar 1 – 2, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Northerly winds may develop pockets of windslab in the alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3–5
    Triggering persistent slab avalanches has become unlikely, but may be possible with large loads like cornice falls. Periods of strong solar radiation may allow for triggering from weak thin snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

Facetted surface snow has been reported to be sloughing in steep terrain. Isolated pockets of windslab have been reactive to skier triggering up to size 1.0.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Cloudy overnight with developing northwest winds and alpine temperatures around -10. Overcast with snow starting late morning. Most areas should see 5-10 cm, and areas in the southeast may see enhanced precipitation as the arctic air dives south and collides with some warmer Pacific air. The snow should end by Tuesday morning when skies clear and the high pressure re-builds over the interior. Wednesday should be clear and cold with light winds.

Snowpack Summary

There is quite a bit of variability across the region in regards to new snow amounts. The surface is also variable with everything from dry new snow, loose facetted snow, windslabs, to sun crusts. There is 5-30 cm of facetted new snow and surface hoar above the mid-February crust. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer (up to 100 cm deep) and the mid-January surface hoar (80-120 cm deep) are generally dormant, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.

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