Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2019 3:06PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Prepare for another week without snow and remain cautious in steep and wind loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear, 30-50 km/h east wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.MONDAY: Sunny, 20-40 km/h east wind, alpine high temperatures near -6 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, 30-50 km/h southeast wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, 30-50 km/h east wind, alpine high temperatures near -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

One small (size 1) wind slab was triggered on an east aspect on Saturday. Sluffing in steep terrain was also reported.On Wednesday, there were several human triggered slab avalanches (size 1-2) near Terrace. A few of these were triggered remotely (from a distance). These were on north and west aspects around 1400 m. Similar activity had been reported in this area over the previous week, but has quieted down recently.

Snowpack Summary

The region has seen recent strong winds from various directions, leaving wind slabs on most aspects in exposed terrain. South facing slopes likely have a crust on the surface. Roughly 30-50 cm of snow sits above a layer of cold, soft faceted snow and surface hoar. This layer has been reactive in some snowpack tests and could enhance the propagation of wind slabs, especially on north and west alpine features. The lower snowpack is generally considered strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong shifting wind has left slabs on all aspects. These slabs could be more reactive on north and west aspects where they sit above weak faceted snow.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2019 2:00PM