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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 17th, 2024–Feb 18th, 2024
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Recent moderate to strong NE winds have transported snow into slopes that aren't typically loaded.

Even though the hazard is low, you could still find small avalanches in isolated spots.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, many point releases were triggered by the sun and rising freezing levels.

A few large natural avalanches from the steep terrain on Mt. MacDonald were observed Wednesday and Thursday.

There were two reported skier triggered avalanches recently. One on Terminal Pk and the other in the Connaught drainage. They were both slabs within the recent storm snow that ran approximately 150 meters.

Snowpack Summary

Strong NE winds Thursday redistributed the 20-40cms of low density snow we'd been enjoying.

A buried crust (widespread below 2500m), sits under windslabs in lees, and has been stripped of snow on ridges.

Warm temps have strengthened the mid and lower snowpack. Except in the high alpine, where the snowpack remains unusally shallow and weak.

Travel remains rugged below treeline, with a variety of firm crusts, frozen avalanche debris, and shallow snowpack hazards.

Weather Summary

The ridge of high pressure moves inland bringing a fairly benign low with light snow on Tuesday.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Alpine low -5°C. Light ridgetop winds.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -4°C. Light SE wind. Freezing level (FZL) 1600m.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -3°C. Light SE wind. Freezing level (FZL) 1700m.

Tues: 10cm. Low -5°C, High -3°C. Light SE wind. FZL 1600m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong NE winds have created wind effect in all open terrain. These may be reactive where they sit on a crust. Warming temps and intense sun may also make the upper snowpack more reactive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Warming temps and sunshine may trigger loose snow avalanches in steep solar terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5