Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Feb 24 – 25, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch out for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Old weak wind slabs may be lurking on lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline, and in glacial drainages from downslope winds. Cornices are also large, undermined, and weak, and could be strained by rapid cooling.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Increasing snowfall intensity throughout the day on Wednesday with around 5 cm expected by the evening and another 5 cm for Thursday. Freezing levels hovering around 800-1000 m and generally light winds. Expect clearing throughout the day on Friday as the high-pressure ridge rebuilds.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Monday include numerous wet releases up to Size 2 out of steep sun-exposed slopes. Isolated cornice failures were reported, but no slabs were triggered on the slopes below. Several recent full-depth glide avalanches up to Size 3 were also observed on all but North aspects.

Snowpack Summary

A variable snow surface generally includes a supportive crust with surface hoar or surface facets, all breaking down to corn snow with daytime warming and sun-exposure, but in general the snowpack is strong. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas, and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may persist.

Regions covered