Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada snow safety, Parks Canada

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Its a mixed bag of wind effect and powder at treeline and above. Watch for pockets of wind slab or heavy sluffing in very steep terrain. 

Summary

Weather Forecast

A little new snow Friday and Saturday, cloudy skies and cold nights and warm days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow has been affected by Light to Moderate westerly winds. Cold conditions continue promoting faceting of the snowpack. Down 30 to 75cm, Jan 17 surface hoar produces sudden planar shears in isolated locations treeline an below. A weak basal snowpack exists in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Several reports of both skier triggered wind slabs and loose dry avalanches have been noted this past week. Generally these avalanches have been small (size1-2) but have been running far, entraining the loose faceted surface snow.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
A mix of old and new wind slabs have been found on various aspects that in the short term will be something to watch for in the terrain.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
A sustained period of cold weather has driven the faceting process in the upper snowpack creating weak, dry surface snow. In steep terrain, these are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect travelers.
Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2019 4:00PM