Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
mhalik,
Avalanche Canada
Before committing to a slope, carefully assess steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday a large (size 2) slab was triggered by sluffing from overhead rocky terrain. Another smaller (size 1.5) naturally occurring wind slab and some loose wet avalanches were also reported.
On Tuesday, a large (size 2) cornice fall and a small (size 1) skier-controlled wind slab avalanche were reported.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm of snow recently fell across the region. At upper elevations near ridgetops, this new snow may have formed wind slabs on lee north and east facing slopes. Steep south and west facing slopes have a sun crust.
In sheltered areas, this new snow may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar. Below this, 10 to 30 cm of settling snow sits over a frozen crust. This crust disappears gradually as you ascend into the upper alpine.
The midpack is generally faceted.
The bottom 15 to 30 cm of the snowpack consists of a deep persistent weak layer of facets, depth hoar, and crusts that have the potential to produce sporadic, large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, no new snow, 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around -9 °C, freezing level dropping to the valley bottom.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow, 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around -1 °C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow, 25 km/h west ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around 0 °C, freezing level rising to 1600 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 1 to 6 cm of snow, 25 - 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around 0 °C, freezing level rising to 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 10 cm of recent snow combined with southwesterly winds, has created wind slabs on lee north and east facing slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches may occur in the afternoon during the warmest and sunniest part of the day.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack remains a concern, mainly at higher elevations in the alpine and in steep, rocky, open features at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
