Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 26th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
New snow, wind and warming will likely stiffen the upper snowpack creating reactive wind and persistent slabs.
A conservative approach to terrain is critical.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a rider triggered wind slab (size 2) was reported on the MIN. This occurred at treeline on a southeast aspect.
Snowpack Summary
Recent strong southerly winds and 5 to 15 cm of new snow have formed fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes.
40 to 60 cm of snow now sits above a variety of old snow surfaces including soft, faceted snow in sheltered terrain and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain. This layer is showing reactivity in recent snowpack testing.
A facet/crust layer from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region at this time.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
New snow 5 to 15 cm. 45 gusting to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with snow 2 to 5 cm. 10 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 3 to 5 cm. 10 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4°C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are likely. Wind slabs will be the most sensitive where they overlie facets.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Concerning weak layers formed in January and February. They exist in the upper 80 cm of the snowpack. New snow, wind and warming will add stress to these layers and may become reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 27th, 2025 4:00PM
