Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for persistent slabs to become reactive as the temperature continues to rise.
In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, explosives triggered a size 2 wind slab near Castle Mountain.
On Wednesday, a large (size 2.5) persistent slab failed on a north-facing alpine slope near Line Creek.
On Tuesday, there were reports of large (size 2) dry loose avalanches running in steep terrain. These were stepping down to a weak layer of facets buried in late January.
Snowpack Summary
Significant wind effect at upper elevations, and some lingering stubborn wind slabs have been reported for areas east of the Continental Divide. Around 25 cm of recent settling snow sits on 20 to 40 cm of mostly faceted snow. This all rests on a weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January now buried 40 to 60 cm. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow / rain possible below 1600 m. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow/ rain possible below 1700m. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer surface hoar and/or facets is buried 40 to 60 cm and may become more reactive as the temperature rises in the coming days.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Stubborn, lingering wind slabs have been reported in areas east of the Continental Divide.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2025 4:00PM
