Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2019 4:59PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Careful with slopes that have been wind-loaded and slopes getting hit by the sun.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperatures drop to -14 C.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, moderate to strong northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -13 C.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, strong east wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

Preliminary reports from Sunday indicate small (size 1) wind slabs were reactive on south-facing slopes in the immediate lee of ridgetops.On Saturday, several small (size 1) wind slabs were triggered in northern parts of the region. Loose dry sluffing was also reported in steep terrain.On Friday, a size 1.5 wind slab was remotely triggered as a skier approached a steep south-facing slope north of Pemberton. The slab was 10-40 cm deep and had recently been loaded by north winds. On Thursday, a slab avalanche was reported in the Duffey area on northwest aspect at 1900 m (see MIN report here).

Snowpack Summary

Friday's storm delivered 10-15 cm in northern parts of the region and 15-25 cm in southern parts of the region. Recent wind has formed isolated pockets of slabs in exposed terrain, while sheltered areas have cold low density snow. The top 20 to 40 cm of the snowpack consists of low density snow that is gradually settling onto old hard surfaces including crusts and wind-packed snow. Low-density snow may sluff easily on these hard surfaces. In some isolated features, the snow has settled into thin slabs above these hard surface and produced small avalanches with minimal destructive potential. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Northeast winds are forming fresh slabs in exposed terrain, while pockets of old wind slabs can be found on all aspects.
Use caution in steep terrain or above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2019 2:00PM

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