Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Ease into terrain cautiously and watch for signs of instability in the recent snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural, rider, and remotely triggered wind slab avalanches size 1-2 were reported throughout the region over the last two days. Most were on north aspects at treeline and above. The failure plane has been predominantly facets under the recent storm snow, but in some cases slabs ran on a buried crust with crowns 50 to 100 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 50 cm of new snow sits over predominantly faceted and wind-affected surfaces, as well as surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain.

A thick crust that formed in late January is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. It has been a problematic layer for step-downs in wind-loaded areas.

Below, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.

Weather Summary

A clearing and cooling trend to start the week. Colder end of forecast temperature ranges are for areas north of Stewart.

Sunday night

Snow tapering, up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind shifting north. Treeline temperature -10 to -18 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 to -16 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 to -16 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 to -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recently formed slabs may be slow to bond to underlying surfaces. If triggered, they could step down to a buried crust, 60 cm deep or more in wind loaded areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2024 4:00PM