Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

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Strong southwesterly winds may form reactive wind slabs on lee features. Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Ridgetop winds strong, southwest / Low of -6.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Ridgetop winds moderate, west / High of -4.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Ridgetop winds moderate, southwest / High of -3.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Ridgetop winds light, west / High of -5.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 cm of recent snow and strong southerly winds are building fresh wind slabs on lee features. 

These wind slabs are sitting on a variety of wind affected surfaces and/or a crust that extends up to at least 1200 m on all aspects. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.

Weak facets (sugary snow) exist at the base of the snowpack, especially in more shallow snowpack areas such as the Inland areas.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong southwesterly winds may form reactive wind slabs on lee features.

Whumpfing, cracking, and hollow sounds are all signs of instability that should cause you to back off into lower angle or less wind-loaded terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2022 4:00PM

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