Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Feb 28 – Mar 1, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

New snow, northerly winds and cold arctic air are expected to increase the avalanche danger on Monday.Are you a member of Avalanche Canada? Join today at avalanche.ca/membership

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.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Cloud developing overnight combined with light southerly winds and freezing levels down to valley bottoms, and alpine temperatures around -10. Mostly cloudy on Sunday with light southwest winds and freezing levels rising up to about 1000 metres. Precipitation starting early Monday morning as cold arctic air descends from the northeast and collides with warmer moist air from the Pacific. Most areas are expected to see 5-10 cm of new snow, some areas in the southeast of the region may see enhanced snowfall.

Avalanche Summary

A skier triggered a size 1.0 steep un-supported pocket of windslab on a northwest aspect at treeline in the Selkirks.

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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