Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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North Rockies, Sugarbowl, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Keep an eye on conditions throughout the day and be prepared to fall back to more conservative terrain.

Wind slab size and sensitivity will increase throughout the day.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Only small dry loose avalanches in steep terrain have been reported in the past couple days.

We expect wind slab avalanches to be rider triggerable in areas that receive more than 10 cm on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of new snow could accumulate throughout Friday. This will add to the 5 cm that buried a variety of surfaces including surface hoar  and facets in sheltered terrain, a crust on south and west facing slopes as well as old wind slab on exposed terrain.

The widespread crust buried in early February is down 5 to 40 cm. This crust may have a layer of facets above it.

The remainder of the snowpack is settled and not concerning.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Clear skies. 40 to 60 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Friday

Cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 40 to 70 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow. 15 to 35 km/h northwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -6°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

West winds and new snow wil form wind slabs throughout the day. These slabs will be most reactive where they overlie surface hoar, facets or a crust. During periods of strong winds slabs may be further down slope than expected.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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