Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 24th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Recent variable winds have affected the snowpack at all elevations. Watch for dense, cohesive slabs in all areas - especially fresh slabs forming from southwest winds.
Head to sheltered terrain at lower elevations for the best chance of finding good riding conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Tuesday.
Recently formed wind slabs likely remain reactive to human triggers while the strong winds continue.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow continues to be redistributed by variable winds, forming fresh wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.
A melt-freeze crust with facets above, sits 50 to 100 cm deep. This crust could be a sliding surface avalanche activity. We are monitoring this layer going forward as more snow accumulates it may become a persistent problem.
In general, we are not seeing the same basal weak layers that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly clear skies with no precipitation. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.
Saturday
Clear skies with moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing levels rise to 500 m. Alpine highs of -10 °C. Moderate to strong southwest winds continue.
Sunday
Cloudy with 3 cm of snow over the day. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m. Alpine high of -6 °C with moderate to strong southwest winds.
Monday
Cloudy with southwest winds easing to moderate. Alpine high of -9 °C. Freezing levels remain below 1000 m. Possible flurries over the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect variable wind affected surfaces on all aspects and at all elevations. Strong north/east winds from earlier this week have now been replaced by south/west winds building fresh wind slabs where snow is available for transport.
Watch for wind loading mid to low on slopes, and be wary of cross-loaded features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 25th, 2023 4:00PM
