Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2019 4:17PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Wind slabs are likely to be encountered at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Clear with cloudy periods / northeast winds 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature near -5FRIDAY - Cloudy sunny periods / northwest winds 10-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5SATURDAY - Mainly sunny / northeast winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -15SUNDAY - Sunny / east winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, there were several human triggered avalanches size 1-2 near Terrace. A few of these were triggered remotely (from a distance). These were on north and west aspects around 1400 m.On Tuesday, a group of people triggered a size 1.5 avalanche in steep terrain on a west aspect below treeline. Loose avalanches were reported on solar aspects on Tuesday afternoon.On Monday, a group of people remotely triggered a size 2.5 wind slab avalanche from 300 m away. The avalanche failed on a west aspect around 1600 m and was 50 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

The region has seen recent strong winds from the northeast and the southeast. This will mean that wind slabs are likely to be found on most aspects, especially in the alpine and at treeline. South facing slopes likely have a crust on the surface.In most areas, 20-50cm of wind affected snow sits on old wind slabs, and crust on south facing slopes. In sheltered areas, low density snow sits on facets (sugary snow) and/or surface hoar (feathery crystals).In the south of the region, the lower snowpack is considered generally strong. Around Bear Pass and further north, two weak layers of surface hoar may be found down about 50 and 100 cm. The base of the snowpack may also be composed of facets in the northern parts of the region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent strong winds and shifting wind directions have likely formed wind slabs on all aspects and at all elevations.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by outflow winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 1st, 2019 2:00PM