Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 28th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Very dangerous avalanche conditions continue at higher elevations. Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Natural and human-triggered avalanche activity remains likely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
By 4 pm on Wednesday, a widespread natural storm slab avalanche cycle was reported at all elevations up to size 1.5.
On Tuesday, operators in the region continued to observe evidence of numerous natural, large, persistent slab avalanches that likely released during the previous storm.
On Monday, numerous skier remotely triggered persistent slab avalanches were reported up to size 2. These avalanches occurred mainly on north and easterly aspects between 1600 and 2000 m.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 60 cm of storm snow overlies wind-affected surfaces and old wind slabs in exposed areas at all elevations.
Multiple weak layers exist in the upper and mid snowpack. The most concerning weak layer is found down 30 to 100 cm and is composed of a layer of facets or in isolated areas preserved surface hoar above a thick crust. This layer is the culprit of recent remotely-triggered avalanches in low-angle terrain. Professionals are concerned about how this layer will react to the new snow load.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with 20 to 30 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level hovers around 800 m.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with 3 to 10 cm of snow. 25 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level hovers around 800 m.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing level remains at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm snow and strong winds have built touchy slabs at higher elevations. Deeper deposits are expected in north and east facing terrain around ridgelines. Investigate how the new snow is bonding to the underlying crust as you travel.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets or surface hoar above a thick crust persists in the snowpack. If triggered storm slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 29th, 2024 4:00PM
