Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 28th, 2024 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Mikey,
Avalanche Canada
The biggest storm of the season is upon us with snow and wind. Avalanche hazard is high and it is a good time to stay out of the backcountry.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural loose dry avalanches have been observed in the Goat range and one wind slab occurred in the Elbow region. Visibility was poor in most areas to see anything. Given all of the forecast weather, a natural avalanche cycle is either underway or will start overnight.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find 50-70cm of loose snow and wind slabs sitting on top of the February 3 rain crust/facet layer. The November basal facets are alive and well and back on our radar as the February 2 rain crust is deteriorating and not locking in the weaknesses below as it once did. Skier weight has now been able to break through the Feb 2 rain crust in some places, which means that the basal facets can now be more easily affected.
Weather Summary
The next storm has begun and is expected to bring a pile of snow and strong winds. All weather models are showing a minimum of 20cm of snow, and some up to 45cm by Friday. The winds will be strong from the SW and will continue to create wind slabs. Temperatures will be around -4c.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
- Avoid traveling in runout zones. Avalanches have the potential to run to the valley floor.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
This is the surface wind slab that is forming with this storm and strong winds.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This is the Feb 3 rain crust interface which is starting to break down and has facets near this interface and can be found 40-50cm down.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is the November basal facet problem that exists in the high alpine and where the Feb 2 rain crust does not exist or has started to break down.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 29th, 2024 4:00PM
