Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2019 5:24PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Although the likelihood of triggering persistent slab problem has reduced, the consequences of doing so would be high.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods / light northeast wind / alpine temperature -16MONDAY: A mix of sun and cloud / light northeast wind / alpine temperature -18TUESDAY: Mostly sunny / light to moderate east wind / alpine temperature -15

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a few natural and human triggered size 1-1.5 avalanches were reported.Last Saturday, a persistent slab avalanche was triggered by a skier on a north aspect on a 30 degree slope. Check out the MIN report here. These sorts of avalanches have become less frequent, but they are still possible and the consequences are high.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5 cm of recent new snow fell with moderate to strong southwest winds. The new snow sits on top of approximately 10-30 cm of low density snow in some areas, and wind slabs in other areas. A weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried anywhere from 30-60 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow). The layer also likely consists of a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but test results, and recent observations of whumphing still indicate that this layer may still be easy for humans to trigger in certain locations. It has been most reactive at treeline and below treeline.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Approximately 50 cm of snow sits above a persistent weak layer of surface hoar that was buried in mid January. The surface hoar may sit on a crust on south aspects.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagation.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled terrain with low consequence.Avoid steep, open and/or sparsely treed slopes at and below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Recent winds switching directions have formed slabs on a variety of aspects.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers and result in even larger avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2019 2:00PM