Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2023 11:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Email

Steady northwest wind and scattered flurries are expected through to Tuesday. This will continue to keep wind slabs as the main concern.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There is no new avalanche activity to report.

I would expect thin wind slabs to continue to form in exposed areas with small amounts if new snow accumulating and steady northwest winds blowing through the rest of the weekend and early in the week.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent snow has been distributed by west through northeast wind in the past few days. This snow sits above a 5-10cm thick rain crust which formed as a result of the warming and rain early last week. Judging by reports the new snow seems to be forming a good bond to the crust.

The snow below is a mix of dense wind affected snow layers at higher elevations. At lower elevations you may find another thin melt freeze crust buried by about 50 cm. The lower snowpack is likely dense and well bonded from warm temperatures, rainfall and subsequent refreezing.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Wind light to moderate northwest. High temperature around -14 °C.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 1-3cm. Wind light to moderate northwest. High temperature around -12 °C.

Monday

Mainly cloudy with flurries. Wind moderate to strong northwest. High temperature around -11 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Wind light to moderate northwest. High temperature around -10 °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.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent new snow accumulation is being redistributed into lee terrain by primarily west and northwest wind.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2023 11:30AM