Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2017 4:34PM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

If you receive more than 20 cm of new snow in your area, the avalanche danger may be HIGH on Tuesday morning.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 10-15 cm of new snow combined with strong southwest winds and overnight freezing down to valley bottoms. Tuesday: 3-5 cm of new snow with moderate westerly winds and daytime freezing up to 1500 metres. Wednesday: Chance of flurries with moderate southwest winds and alpine temperatures around -5. Thursday: Chance of flurries with light northeast winds and alpine temperatures around -12.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, small natural and skier controlled slides continued up to size 1.5. Some explosives controlled avalanches were reported up to size 2.0. On Sunday, reactive storm slabs produced a few size 1.5 naturally triggered avalanches in alpine terrain, several size 1.5 skier triggered avalanches at treeline, and numerous size 2-2.5 explosive triggered avalanches in alpine terrain. Small loose wet avalanches were reported at lower elevations as well. On Monday, storm slabs will likely remain reactive to human triggers at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast snow and strong southwest winds are expected to add to the 30 cm of storm snow that already exists. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Forecast new snow and southwest winds are expected to develop new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2017 2:00PM