Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Feb 22 – 23, 2024Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 3 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Don’t let the new snow lure you into big terrain.

In addition to the weak layers new snow has fallen on, we are still concerned about the layers from earlier this month.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    This layer may now be found down up to 65 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer will likely be larger than they have been over the past week.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Up to 30 cm of new snow has formed a reactive storm slab. These slabs will be more reactive where they overlie facets or surface hoar.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the past few days rider triggered avalanches have been up to size 2.5 but most were smaller, size 1.5. these avalanches were generally releasing on layers of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust from earlier this month.

We expect avalanches on these layers, as well as the more recently buried weak layers described in the snowpack summary, to continue to occur.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 30 cm of new snow has buried a variety of surfaces including surface hoar in sheltered terrain, a crust on south and west facing slopes as well as old wind slab on exposed terrain.

Another layer of surface hoar is down around 20 to 50 cm in sheltered areas.

The widespread crust buried in early February is down 40 to 65 cm and has sugary facets on top. In most places, this crust is widespread up to 2400 m.

The base of the snowpack is still loose and faceted in shallow rocky alpine areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

A mix of cloud and clear skies with up to 2 cm of new snow. 5 to 20 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 15 to 35 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. 25 to 50 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.

Regions covered