Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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An incoming storm will elevate hazard overnight and into tomorrow.

Limit exposure to terrain with overhead hazard, especially if more snow falls then forecasted.

Pay attention to cornices as they continue to grow through out the park. Give them a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Anticipating natural avalanches with new snow and wind spikes tonight and tomorrow.

No new natural avalanches were observed on Thursday along the highway corridor.

On Wednesday, isolated natural avalanches were observed up to size 2 in steep, north facing terrain off Mt. Macdonald, triggered by wind loading. Skiers east of the summit reported several soft slabs reactive to skiers down 5 cm. And reports of loose dry sluffing up to sz 1.0.

Snowpack Summary

The storm ending Friday morning will deliver 10-15 cm of fresh storm snow with light SW winds gusting to strong. This overlies a variety of surfaces including solar crusts formed Tuesday/Wednesday this week. And wind slabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine.

Weather Summary

The majority of the snow will drop tonight, with moderate amounts forecast with a southwest flow. A brief drying trend develops following this storm, with the next low pressure system approaching Sunday.

Tonight: Flurries, 10 cm, Alp low -10*C, light gusting to Moderate SW winds,

Fri: Cloudy w/sun and flurries, Trace snow, Alp high -10*C, light to moderate W winds, Fz lvl: 600 m

Sat: Flurries, 6 cm, Alp high -10*C, light W winds gusting to strong, Fz lvl: 600 m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Thursday night's storm will refresh wind slabs formed early in the week. Use caution in wind effected terrain that is steep and exposed, were even a small avalanche could have large consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Fresh storm snow will be reactive to rider triggering, primarily in steep terrain. This will be more of a concern if more snow is delivered then forecasted.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2023 4:00PM

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