Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain. Reactive wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small wind slab avalanches were observed on Sunday out of steep, rocky east and south aspects, as described in this great MIN report from the Babines. We are still awaiting field observations but suspect that with the additional snowfall on Sunday night, natural avalanche activity likely continued into Monday.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 40 cm of recent snow sits over predominantly weak, faceted surfaces and may be slow to bond. At upper elevations, it has been redistributed by shifting winds. Check out this MIN report from the weekend, describing snowy conditions in high terrain.

Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust are buried 20 to 50 cm deep.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Clear. 10 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -22 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm. 30 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The freshest wind slabs will likely be forming on north aspects as winds shift south on Tuesday. On other aspects, older wind slabs are likely to remain reactive as they sit over weak surfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2024 4:00PM