Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2024 4:00PM

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

lcrawley, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia, South Columbia, Blue River, Clearwater, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Shuswap, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, Kokanee, North Okanagan, Retallack, Valhalla, Whatshan, West Purcell.

Hard wind slabs are lingering longer than usual.

Be careful anywhere with wind-affected snow above a terrain trap.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday there were several small (size 1-1.5) rider-triggered wind slab avalanches in the alpine and a few at treeline. As well as a large (size 2) wind slab that was triggered by a cornice failing and landing on the slope.

Snowpack Summary

The alpine is generally wind-affected with a crust on slopes facing the sun. In sheltered terrain, 15 to 25 cm of snow overlies a variety of layers including a weak layer of small surface hoar and/or another thin sun crust on solar aspects.

The widespread crust buried in early February is down 30 to 50 cm and has sugary facets on top. In most places, this crust is widespread up to 2400 m.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Monday

Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Wednesday

Partly cloudy. 0 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

In some places, wind slab avalanches are failing on or gouging down to the hard, frozen crust formed in early February.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2024 4:00PM