Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 27th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Darren Vonk,
Parks Canada
Caution as the snowpack receives an additional 20+ cm of snow over the next 3 days. Possibly rain at lower elevations 1700m and below. Maligne Lake back country opens up February 29th
Summary
Weather Forecast
Upwards of 20cm is expected in the Columbia ice fields area over the next 3 days. This snow will come in with Gusty winds up to 60km/h from the WSW. Temperatures steadily dropping to -15 by Monday morning.
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Daily, trace amounts of new snow, spread irregularly over the region on old hard slab in the alpine. A thin rain crust present on all aspects at treeline; 1700m and below. The southern forecast region has a supportive mid-pack. Less supportive and poor bridging over a pronounced basal weaknesses in the north; Whistlers/Portal and soon, Maligne area
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported.
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Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Well defined wind effect and scouring in exposed areas at TL and the alpine. Triggering has the potential to initiate the deep persistent slab.
- Watch for pockets of hard windslab in steep alpine terrain features..
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Skier triggering could occur in shallow snowpack areas or from large load. The consequences of triggering would be severe! Caution traveling, skiing and climbing in Run out zones as avalanche have the potential to run full path
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 28th, 2020 4:00PM
