Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 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 ejones, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs will remain reactive to rider triggering today.

Choose sheltered, low-angle terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, riders in the Fraser area found reactive wind slab deposits releasing 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, especially in wind-affected terrain and areas where storm totals were greater.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed new snow forming reactive wind slab deposits. Storm totals have reached 50 cm in the White Pass, with less elsewhere throughout the region.

These slabs may not bond well to the old snow surface, which in areas is firm surfaces from previous wind effects and warm temperatures, with a layer of weak, feathery crystals on top, as described by the Field Team here. In other areas, 20 cm of soft snow exists that may also be redistributed.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

A few clouds. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at the surface, with a layer of warm air aloft between 1200 and 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Southwest winds have formed reactive wind slabs on lee terrain features. Watch for steep rollovers and cross-loaded terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2024 4:00PM