Traveling in the Backcountry?
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Friday, Feb 26
Valid Until Sunday, Feb 28.
DANGER RATINGS (Make sure you understand the danger level meanings)
| Outlook | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine | HIGH |
HIGH |
CONSIDERABLE |
| Treeline | CONSIDERABLE |
CONSIDERABLE |
CONSIDERABLE |
| Below Treeline | MODERATE |
MODERATE |
MODERATE |
Below Treeline areas especially on the East slopes of the Island are becoming below threshold for avalanches. This is not the case however further west as the snowpack deepens.
Confidence: Fair. Weather models are in disagreement on the expected amounts of precip over the next 3 days. Expect higher hazard in the Myra region due to higher amounts of precip and winds.
Main Concerns:
- New storm snow instabilities.
- Localized surface hoar layers now buried
Weather:
New snow to the island this weekend with up to 50cms in the Myra region dropping as you head East into the Alexandra area. Mt Cain should see up to 30cms of new also. Freezing levels will reach up to 1500m mid day over the forecast period.
Weather models are in disagreement about the amount of precipitation we are likely to expect over the weekend.
Avalanche Activity:
No avalanche activity has been observed but expect Natural avalanches in alpine terrain where the freezing levels are staying below zero and in areas where large accumulations are expected such as the Myra region.
Snowpack:
With the new snow expected over the next few days expect natural activity in alpine terrain. This snow will take a few days to settle out and could remain unstable if precipitation continues through the weekend. Pockets of localized surface hoar are still a concern and this layer could be reactive in specific terrain features such as lee north facing terrain. Our below treeline terrain is taking a beating with rain and reports are showing that many areas are becoming below threshold for avalanches due to the lack of snow.
Terrain Discussion:
With freezing levels hovering around 1600m in the daytime take care in alpine terrain but also at treeline where large avalanches can run into. In the Myra region this is more so as there is more precip forecasted for this area. Take the usual precautions in alpine, lee terrain and watch for isothermal conditions at Treeline or just below due to rain soaking the snowpack.
Outlook:
rain and snow over the next 3 days.