Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2024 11:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid wind loaded slopes and give the new snow time to bond. The best riding will be found in sheltered terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported recently.

If you head out into the mountains please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Southwest through northwest winds have scoured and pressed exposed terrain and formed reactive wind slabs on easterly facing slopes. Soft snow can likely be found in sheltered terrain.

Snow continues to accumulate over a thin melt-freeze crust that extends up to ridgetop. By Tuesday it is possible that 20 to 40 cm of snow could exist over this layer. Test results from the 16th show that the new snow is not bonding well to this crust.

The mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled. The average snowpack depth at upper treeline is now around 100 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 3 cm of new snow expected in the north and trace in the south.  25 to 40 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow expected. 15 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind, strongest winds expected in the south. Treeline temperature-11°C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 10 cm of new snow expected. 50 to 70 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -14°C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of new snow expected. 50 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17°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.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow has formed wind slab on east aspects and cross loaded others. These wind slabs will likely remain reactive to rider traffic due to the underlying crust.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2024 11:30AM