Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Cornices.
MH,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Danger will increase over the day as the snow continues to fall and the winds remain strong.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Expect avalanche activity to increase throughout the day on Sunday.
On Friday a skier triggered size 2.5 near the top of Bruins Ridge and had a narrow run down the full length of 8812 Bowl, dusting the skin track en route to Balu Pass. 150m wide with a crown depth of 20-90cm and traveling 1.2km.
Snowpack Summary
30+cm of recent snow and moderate-strong Westerly winds have formed fresh slabs in the Alpine. As the snow continues to fall, expect the storm slab to become more reactive at all elevations.
Several thin crusts are buried on steep solar aspects.
The deep persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack (rounding facets and a crust in some locations), has been showing signs of strengthening recently.
Weather Summary
Powder seekers will be pleased with the 15-20cm of new snow falling throughout the day on Sunday. Winds will be 40-50km/hr from the West with an alpine high of -7.
Another 10cm and tapering winds Monday night into Tuesday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Continuing snowfall and strong winds will keep the storm slab problem active in the region. Watch for cracking in the snowpack and deeper slabs in wind loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Low density surface snow has created a dry loose avalanche problem in steep, sheltered terrain. Be cautious in steep gullies and on slopes with terrain traps at the bottom.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices may become more likely to fail with the increasing snowfall and consistent strong winds. Be aware of what may be looming far above you, hidden behind poor visibility and out of view.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2023 4:00PM
