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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2024–Feb 27th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Akamina, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West, Flathead, Lizard, Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies.

Recent storm snow needs time to gain strength and stabilize, while a buried crust remains a major concern.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Sadly, an avalanche fatality occurred on Saturday near Gardiner Creek. The avalanche was triggered by a group of snowmobilers from below. It is believed that a layer of facets on a crust was the failure layer. You can read more details here.

This MIN from last Thursday details a skier-triggered avalanche on the same crust/facet layer found throughout the region.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds at higher elevations.

As much as 40 cm now sits atop a variety of surfaces, including sun crusts on south-facing slopes and faceted snow on sheltered, north-facing terrain.

A widespread crust formed in early February is buried by 50 to 100 cm. In some areas, weak faceted grains have formed above and/or below the crust.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 1 to 5 cm. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 2 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 20 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
  • Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow has accumulated atop various potential weak layers and good sliding surfaces. New snow may take longer than usual to gain strength and bond to underlaying surfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Weak faceted grains have formed above and below a widespread crust that is buried by 50 to 100 cm.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3