Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanches remain possible on slopes with denser cohesive surface snow, such as in wind or sun-affected areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small, (size 1 to 1.5) skier-triggered avalanches were reported across the region over the last few days. These avalanches occurred on various aspects and elevations, primarily failing on crusts in south-facing terrain or facets/surface hoar in north-facing terrain. The slabs occurred at depths ranging from 20 to 40 cm.

Additional reports were of small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain where the upper snowpack remains loose and unconsolidated.

Snowpack Summary

The southernmost parts of the region received up to 10 cm of recent snow, while elsewhere cold, clear, and dry conditions persist. Surfaces have been variably wind-affected in exposed areas at treeline and above. A thin sun crust may be found on steep sun-exposed slopes. In wind-sheltered terrain, the upper snowpack remains generally soft and faceted, with new surface hoar growth reported in some areas. Various persistent weak layers formed at the end of January are buried 20 to 50 cm. These include crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar in shaded, sheltered terrain, and weak faceted grains. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17°C.

Tuesday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Weak layers, 20 to 50 cm deep, remain a concern in areas where there is an overlying cohesive slab. This is most likely in wind-loaded areas or on sun-exposed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2025 4:00PM

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