Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2025 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Snow continues to pile up, and will continue to stress test the snowpack.

Large avalanches are a concern with a buried weak layer.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Saturday:

A natural avalanche cycle with mostly large avalanches (up to size 3) happened in the region, on all aspects and at all elevations. There was a concentration of avalanche activity on north and east aspects in the alpine and at treeline.

Friday:

Several remote, natural and human triggered avalanches were reported on north, east and south aspects. These avalanches were both small and large (up to size 2.5) and in some cases stepped down to persistent weak layers

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50 cm of new snow continues to accumulate atop layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes.

Below these layers, the upper snowpack is largely faceted and poorly bonded with another layer of surface hoar in sheltered terrain and a thin crust on sun-affected slopes. This layer, buried in late January, varies in depth but generally exists within the upper 100 cm of snow.

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

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Avalanche danger is expected to increase throughout the day.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

A combination of new snow, wind, and mild temperatures will form reactive storm slabs at all elevations. Slabs could be particularly touchy in wind-loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2025 4:00PM

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