Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jcoulter,
Avalanche Canada
Pockets of wind slab likely linger on various aspects in exposed terrain and around ridgelines.
Recent northeast winds have reverse loaded features building slabs in less common places.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Trace of new snow, light northeast winds. Alpine low of -20.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy with light northwest winds. Alpine high of -10.
FRIDAY: Sunny with a few clouds, light southwest winds increasing to moderate later in the day. Alpine highs of -10.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, moderate southwest winds, alpine high of -5.
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday the field team reported evidence of a natural wind-driven avalanche cycle (likely from Monday), with avalanches in the size 1-2 range in the northern Elk Valley. On the east slope of the divide dry loose avalanches and small wind slabs have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
The 10-20 cm of most recent snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northeast winds and formed some wind slabs in unusual places. This latest load sits over old firm wind-affected snow in open areas and hard sun crusts on solar aspects.
The snowpack below is generally well consolidated, with a crust/facet layer found near the bottom of the snowpack. It is currently considered dormant but could become active later this season. Check out the forecaster blog for more information.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for pockets of wind slab on various aspects in exposed terrain and around ridgelines. Recent northeast winds have reverse loaded features building slabs in less common places. Alpine features are the most likely culprits, but exercise some caution in exposed treeline features with stiff snow as well.
These slabs have formed on top of old crusts and hard wind-pressed snow and there is uncertainty about how quickly they will bond to old surfaces.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 24th, 2022 4:00PM
