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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 17th, 2017–Feb 18th, 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: Northwest Coastal.

Conditions are improving with cooling temperatures. Watch for unstable snow in wind affected terrain and treeline slopes where surface hoar may be preserved.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, numerous small loose wet avalanches (size 1) were skier triggered in the Terrace area. Evidence of natural avalanche activity during the previous storm was also reported, with the largest avalanches in the north around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw (in the size 2.5-3.5 range). Cooling temperatures will make natural avalanches unlikely this weekend, but human triggering storm slabs will remain possible.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and moist settling storm snow. Strong winds earlier in the week formed deeper deposits in exposed high elevation terrain. The February 10th interface is now buried 60-80 cm deep and consists of facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface is likely gaining strength, but may still be reactive in isolated areas at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may remain reactive in wind-exposed terrain and where they sit above preserved surface hoar at treeline.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3