Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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 isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Be on the lookout for wind slab formation as both snowfall and wind intensify on Thursday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is burying largely variable crusty and wind-affected snow surfaces at all elevations and on all aspects. New snow may sit atop weak surface hoar crystals in wind-sheltered terrain at treeline.

A surface hoar layer may be found down 20 - 60 cm in isolated north-facing terrain features.

Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 - 100 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 60 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 0 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and wind will create wind slabs throughout the day on Wednesday. Wind and storm slabs may be especially reactive in sheltered terrain where preserved surface hoar is buried.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2024 4:00PM