Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ejones, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs will be reactive to rider triggering today.

Choose sheltered, low-angle terrain if you are heading out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports have been limited during the stormy period.

Looking ahead, new snow and wind will likely form wind slabs in lee terrain features that will be reactive to rider triggering this weekend.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwesterly winds will continue to redistribute new snow on Sunday, likely forming reactive wind slab deposits. Storm totals are likely to reach 45 cm in the White Pass.

These slabs may not bond well to the old snow surface, which in areas is firm surfaces from previous wind effects and warm temperatures, with a layer of weak, feathery crystals on top, as described by the Field Team here. In other areas, 10 - 20 cm of soft snow exists that may also be redistributed.

A hard melt-freeze crust is found 10 to 40 cm deep, up to 1500 m around White Pass, and 1200 m in the Wheaton Valley.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Monday

Cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly clear. 30 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 200 m, with a layer of warm air aloft, between 1500 and 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
  • Be careful to keep storm day fever from luring you out into bigger terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Southwest winds and new snow will form fresh and reactive wind slabs on lee terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2024 4:00PM

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