Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 17th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, several small size 1-1.5 natural and rider-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches were reported failing in the recent storm snow. A few isolated ones ran on the persistent weak layer. Widespread small loose dry avalanches were also reported.
On Saturday, riders triggered a few small avalanches on unsupported features and ridgeline entrances to steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
The region has received around 15 to 30 cm of low-density snow in the last storm, burying a new layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on sun-affected slopes. Upper elevations in parts of the region have seen some wind effect and wind slabs building on leeward slopes. These slabs have been reported as reactive and easy to trigger. A persistent weak layer formed at the end of January is now buried approximately 30 to 70 cm. This layer is a crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar in shaded, sheltered terrain, and weak faceted grains elsewhere. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatrure -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs on various aspects if you transition into wind-affected terrain. In steep areas where the snow has no slab properties use appropriate sluff management techniques.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer 30 to 70 cm deep, remains a concern in areas where there is an overlying cohesive slab. This is most likely in wind-loaded areas or on sun-exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 18th, 2025 4:00PM
