Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lcrawley,
Avalanche Canada
Be cautious of stiff wind slabs on a crust at ridgetops and rollovers.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Saturday or Sunday.
On Friday, numerous small wet loose avalanches were reported from slopes facing the sun.
Our North Rockies field team reported a small (size 1) rider-triggered wind slab avalanche that occurred on Thursday. Northeast aspect at treeline. See photos. This is a typical example of the type of avalanche that is expected to linger.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar is growing on all aspects at all elevations up to 12 mm, even on ridgetops.
South through west aspects are stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. This crust exists at all elevations. On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.
In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 15 to 25 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Problems
Wind Slabs
This problem is still possible where a wind slab sits over weak, sugary faceted crystals on top of a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2024 4:00PM
