Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 26th, 2020 2:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
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Avalanche Canada
Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain as a series of storms are creating dangerous avalanche conditions.
Summary
Confidence
High - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
Weather Forecast
A series of frontal systems will bring steady snowfall and strong wind for the remainder of the week.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: 5-10 cm of new snow, 40-60 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine temperatures around -10 C.
THURSDAY: Steady snowfall with 10-20 cm of new snow, strong wind from the south, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.
FRIDAY: Steady snowfall continues with another 10-20 cm of snow, moderate to strong wind from the west, alpine high temperatures around -7 C.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.
Avalanche Summary
The primary concern this week will be new slabs forming as snow accumulates.
No notable avalanches have been reported since Saturday when a large (size 3) avalanche was observed on a very steep north alpine face in Taiya Valley. It was triggered by a collapsing cornice which is a good reminder to minimize your exposure to slopes with cornices overhead.
Snowpack Summary
New slabs will form this week as the weather forecast calls for roughly 10-20 cm of snow per day with strong south wind. Old wind slabs can be felt on a variety of aspects beneath the new snow, and thin sun crusts have been reported on south-facing slopes. Cornices are reported to be growing in size as well.
At White Pass the snowpack is roughly 200 cm thick and well-bonded, while in the Wheaton Valley the snowpack is much thinner and capped by a breakable crust.
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Thick and dangerous wind slabs are forming as a series of storms hit White Pass. Natural avalanches are likely in alpine terrain during intense periods of the storm. There looks to be a break in the storm on Saturday, but human triggered wind slab avalanches will remain likely.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 28th, 2020 4:00PM
