Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Choose low consequence terrain.

Wind slabs will likely remain reactive to rider traffic due to buried surface hoar.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, riders in the Fraser area found reactive wind slabs on steep slopes at treeline, and shooting cracks. Check out these MIN reports for details.

Looking ahead, wind slabs will likely remain reactive to rider triggering.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed new snow forming reactive wind slabs. Storm totals have reached 10 to 35 cm. The snow surface may become moist on steep south facing slopes in the afternoon.

This new snow has fallen over a layer of surface hoar and facets and is not bonding well.

A thick melt-freeze crust is found down 50 to 100 cm. this layer is not currently a concern but may be after being impacted by warm temperatures for a prolonged period.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

A mix of cloud and clear skies with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud in the morning and clear in the afternoon, no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, above freezing layer in afternoon above 1500 m.

Wednesday

Clear skies with no new snow expected, northeast alpine wind 5 to 15 km/h, above freezing layer above 1300 m.

Thursday

Clear skies with no new snow expected, northeast alpine wind 10 to 20 km/h, above freezing layer above 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Southwest winds have formed reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. These slabs will remain reactive to riders due to the surface hoar and facets they have formed over.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2024 4:00PM

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