Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid avalanche terrain

Natural avalanche activity is expected with heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Widespread natural avalanche activity is expected to begin on Sunday as snow and wind develop sensitive slabs.

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday evening, up to 60 cm of new snow is expected. In most areas, this storm snow will fall over a widespread crust, which will likely bond poorly. At the highest elevations, this may fall over old snow surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated, and likely still moist from the recent rain. Conditions remain rugged at lower elevations, with a shallow snowpack.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 10-20 cm of snow expected. Westerly winds continue, 40-60 km/h. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with heavy snowfall bringing 30 - 40 cm of new snow. Highest storm totals are expected east of Golden Ears.

Southwest winds increase 60 - 75 km/h with possible gusts around 100 km/h in exposed areas. Treeline temperature -1 °C with freezing levels near 1000 m.

Monday

Clearing skies with likely sunny breaks in the afternoon. Flurries may continue. Northwest winds, 20-30 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 with freezing levels drop to 500 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest winds, 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 with freezing levels around 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build over the day as new snow accumulates. Reactivity is expected as new snow falls on a crust. Deeper deposits are expected in north and east facing terrain around ridgelines.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2024 4:00PM