Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2013 9:26AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mMonday: A mix of sun and cloud / Light west winds / Freezing level at 900mTuesday: Light snowfall becoming heavy in the afternoon / Light south winds / Freezing level at 900m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, avalanche control in the region produced several slab avalanches to size 2 with some slabs reportedly reacting on the February 20th surface hoar. Further avalanche activity is anticipated with weather forecast for Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy amounts of new snow and strong winds have created deep and potentially destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Field reports suggest that it is reactive in the Garibladi South area. Where it exists, surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the newly developed slab, so it's very possible that the new snow will take some time to stabilize. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Moderate to heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast for Sunday will contribute to ongoing storm/ wind slab instabilities. Triggering will most likely occur in wind-affected terrain or in areas where buried surface hoar exists.
The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.>Good day to make conservative terrain choices.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2013 2:00PM