Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2018 5:23PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Watch for areas where the wind has formed reactive slabs at higher elevations. Riding powder in sheltered trees is the best and safest option.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light north wind, alpine high temperatures around -18 C.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light north wind, alpine high temperatures around -18 C.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate northwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -15 C.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread storm slab activity was reported on all aspects and elevations on Sunday, including natural avalanches up to size 2 and smaller skier-triggered avalanches (size 1). Similar activity was also reported the previous two days. Looking ahead, natural storm slab activity will wind down but human-triggering remains likely.No avalanches have been reported on persistent weak layers for over a week.

Snowpack Summary

Gusty wind from various directions has scoured some exposed slopes and formed fresh wind slabs on others. Sheltered terrain has 30-50 cm of low density snow from recent storms. A crust layer can be found beneath the storm snow on sun-exposed slopes and below 1800 m, but these interfaces have not been involved in recent avalanches.Weak layers that formed in January and December are gradually gaining strength. The layers include several surface hoar and facet layers buried 1-2 m below the surface. No avalanches have been reported on these layers for the past week and snowpack tests are showing improved bonding. Despite these signs, avalanche professionals are still treating these layers with respect and being cautious around shallow start zones and big avalanche paths.

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-50 cm of recent storm snow remains reactive to human triggers. Strong wind from various directions has formed extra touchy slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Several deeply buried weak layers exist in the snowpack. Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab is gradually decreasing, the consequences remain high.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 4

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2018 2:00PM