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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 15th, 2023–Feb 16th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Glacier.

Good travel, moderate hazard and quality riding is making for fun days out in the park.

Be on the watch for wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, isolated natural avalanches were observed up to size 2 in steep, north facing terrain off Mt. Macdonald, triggered by wind loading.

Strong solar input Tuesday resulted in numerous natural avalanches to sz 2.5 from southerly aspects within the highway corridor and from backcountry reports. Small, moist point releases could be observed in many lower elevation S aspects as well.

As well on Tuesday, neighbours reported natural cornice falls and avalanches triggered on wind slabs to size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts formed on solar aspects (south through west) mid week will start to get covered today as snowfall begins.

Strong SW winds and snow from Sunday's storm formed a wind slab in lee and crossloaded features at Alpine/Treeline elevations. On Wednesday wind slabs were stubborn to trigger.

Good riding can be found in settled storm snow on polar aspects in less exposed terrain.

Weather Summary

A frontal system will deliver snow starting Thursday. Light snow is forecasted with a upslope flow bringing enhanced amounts to west-facing terrain. Freezing levels will stay below pass level.

Tonight: Cloudy w/clear periods, Alp low -11*C, light SW winds

Thurs: Flurries, 10 cm, Alp high -9*C, light gusting to moderate SW winds, Fz lvl: 800 m

Fri: Cloudy w/sun and flurries, Trace snowfall, Alp high -10*C, light W winds, Fz lvl: 600 m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.