Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada kbakker, Avalanche Canada

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Isolated wind slabs may continue to be triggered in specific areas if they overlie surface hoar or facets. Keep this in mind as you transition through terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 natural slab avalanche was reported on Thursday but the avalanche likely occurred on Wednesday. Click on the picture for more details.

Snowpack Summary

Variable conditions exist at all elevations. New surface hoar has formed at treeline and below in sheltered terrain. South facing slopes has a mix of scouring, wind hammered surface snow, a crust and potentially moist snow in the afternoon. Soft snow can still be found on sheltered north facing terrain.

A layer of surface hoar may be found down 20 to 60 cm in north facing, sheltered terrain. It may be an isolated problem at the moment, but it is best practice to try to get some observations or test suspect slopes before jumping into your line.

A thick melt-freeze crust is found down 50 to 100 cm below 1500 m. this layer is not currently a concern.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h easterly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°C. Above freezing layer above 1500 m dissipating overnight.

Saturday

Mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 30 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Sunday

Cloudy, with a trace of new precipitation. 20 to 30 km/h southwesterly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures near -4°C.

Monday

Cloudy, with a trace of new precipitation. 20 to 30 km/h northwesterly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures near -4°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Rider triggerable wind slab may still be found near ridge crests. They will likely be more reactive if they overlie facets or surface hoar.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2024 4:00PM