Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 17th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
MM,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 18th, 2024 4:00PM
