Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 26th, 2020–Feb 27th, 2020

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Wind slabs may sit on a weak interface. Caution around wind loaded features in the alpine and on convexities at upper treeline elevations.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 2 to 10 cm new snow. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday: 2 to 10 cm new snow. Moderate west wind. Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday: 2 to 5 cm new snow. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small point releases were observed in steep rocky south facing terrain around treeline Wednesday.

Reports from Monday include a natural wind slab avalanche cycle to size 2, as well as skier controlled, accidental and remotely triggered storm slabs size 1-2 on northeast aspects in the alpine and upper treeline. This MIN post includes a photo of a skier triggered wind slab.

Snowpack Summary

New snow falls over 20-40 cm of settling snow which may overly surface facets, isolated patched of surface hoar in sheltered areas or sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind affect in the alpine is extremely variable, with reports ranging from minimal soft slab development to wind scoured surfaces and hard slabs. Soft snow is well preserved on sheltered shady aspects.

Faceted snow and crusts exist near the base of the snowpack in much of the region. This layer is has been dormant recently.

Terrain and Travel

Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Small inputs of new snow and wind will form fresh wind slabs in lees of exposed alpine terrain. Older wind slabs may sit over a weak interface, particularly around treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2