Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Use caution in wind effected terrain, wind slab over facets, surface hoar or a crust remains the primary concern.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Only small dry loose and wind slabs have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are highly variable. Wind effect can be found on exposed slopes. A new crust exists on the surface below 1700 m and likely up to mountain tops on south aspects. In sheltered  terrain A new layer of surface hoar overlies soft snow. In the afternoon the snow surface could become moist at lower elevations.

Check out this MIN describing conditions in the region.

A widespread crust exists 25-40 cm below the surface, and surface hoar has been found above the crust in some parts of the region - a dangerous combination anywhere wind slab exists above it. The snowpack is strong and bonded below the crust.

Conditions remain rugged at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

onday Night

Mostly cloudy  with up to 5 cm of new snow possible at higher elevations. 10 to 20 km/h southeast alpine wind.  Freezing level falling to 1400 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation expected. 15 to 30 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation expected. 20 to 35 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with light rain. 5 to 15 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level around 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Outflow wind has impacted open terrain on all aspects at treeline and alpine elevations. The resulting wind slabs are bonding poorly to the underlying crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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