Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2018 4:15PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Caution if the sun comes out - avoid steep sunny slopes where the snow will lose cohesion.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level at valley floor. Light to moderate winds.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level at valley floor. Light to moderate winds.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level at valley floor. Light to moderate winds.

Avalanche Summary

Its been fairly quiet the last couple of days, with only reports of explosives triggering small storm slabs.

Snowpack Summary

You are likely to find variable surfaces in open terrain after recent strong winds took out their fury on the upper snowpack. Fragile cornices and hard and soft wind slabs can be found on many alpine and treeline slopes. Ongoing cold temperatures are helping to break down and soften these.A crust/surface hoar interface is about 40-60 cm down, but is spotty in distribution. In sheltered areas where the surface hoar exists, it is reactive in snowpack tests. Deeper in the snowpack, the widespread mid-December weak layer sits about 120-160 cm deep. This consists of a crust, facets or surface hoar. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer could be awoken from a thin-spot trigger point, or with a very large load.

Problems

Wind Slabs

WInd slabs can be found on many slopes at treeline and above.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2018 2:00PM