Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2015–Feb 24th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

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Confidence

Fair - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Increasing cloud cover, light SW winds at valley bottom, strong NW winds at ridgetop. No precipitation, freezing level rising to 1500m. Wednesday: Mostly clear skies, winds decreasing to light NW throughout the day, no precipitation, freezing level rising to 1500m. Thursday: Broken skies, light variable winds at all elevations, no significant precipitation, freezing level rising to 1400m.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated small wind slabs on north aspects were reported Sunday, no other significant avalanche activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm of snow covers a widespread layer of surface hoar above a crust that extends all the way to ridge crest. The curst is effectively "capping" the snowpack and doing a good job of protecting the buried weak layers bellow. However, I suspect that the mid-January surface hoar layer could still produce an avalanche if given a large enough trigger in the right spot. It can be found down about 1m in the alpine and 50-60cm at treeline. The mid-December crust/facet/surface hoar weakness may persist in the mid to lower snowpack at higher elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong NW winds may create isolated pockets of wind slab in wind exposed features Tuesday. It's important to factor these small but potentially touchy wind slabs into your travel plan for the day, especially if you're in complex terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2