Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 26th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Start with mellow terrain, and test how the recent snow is bonding before committing to steeper or larger features.Forecast warm temperatures and sun may weaken the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday and Monday, explosives avalanche control in different parts of the region produced several small to large (up to size 2) avalanches in east and southeast facing alpine and treeline terrain. They all failed on a layer of facets buried by the recent storm.
If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting a MIN post.
Snowpack Summary
A surface crust or moist snow may be found at lower elevations and on sun-affected slopes. Otherwise, 30 to 60 cm of accumulated settling storm snow sits over a thin crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar or facets in wind-sheltered areas. The highest storm snow amounts fell in southern parts of the region, and the lowest in the north. A weak layer buried in late January consisting of surface hoar and facets or a crust, is buried 50 to 90 cm and remains a lingering concern. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature low -2 °C. Possible temperature inversion in the alpine.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 2400 m.
Friday
Sunny. 5 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Possible temperature inversion with below freezing air in valleys. Alpine freezing level 2500 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 25 to 35 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Possible temperature inversion with below freezing air in valleys. Alpine freezing level 2900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Start with simple terrain and gather information before committing to bigger features.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Problems
Storm Slabs
30 to 60 cm of recent storm snow may remain poorly bonded to underlying layers. Expect to find deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will become more likely as daytime warming and sun melt the upper snowpack.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 27th, 2025 4:00PM
