Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada DH, Avalanche Canada

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Human triggering remains likely, maintain conservative terrain choices.

The best conditions can be found in sheltered terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday avalanche control produced numerous avalanches up to size 3.5, showing wide propagations likely failing on the Feb 3rd crust. A natural avalanche cycle earlier in the storm saw several large avalanches running full path from the steep terrain of Mt. Tupper and Mt. MacDonald.

Snowpack Summary

50-60cm of new snow has given a good refresh to surface conditions, southerly winds during the storm formed deeper deposits on leeward features. Below this thin sun crusts were buried on solar slopes and down 70-100cm is the robust Feb 3rd crust (which is widespread below 2500m).

The mid to lower snowpack is well settled, except in isolated areas of the alpine where an unusually thin & faceted snowpack exists.

Weather Summary

On Tuesday we will see a drying trend before the next storm arrives early on Wednesday bringing another round of heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Tues: Sun & cloud with isolated flurries - trace of new snow, light SW winds, low -23°C, freezing level (FZL) at valley bottom.

Wed: Stormy, snow - 30cm, strong SW winds, low -14°C, FZL 1100m.

Thurs: Cloudy with flurries up to 10cm, strong W winds, low -12°C, FZL 700m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

50-60cm of new snow has formed a cohesive storm slab, this was accompanied by strong winds so expect deeper and more reactive slabs on wind loaded terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Avalanches initiating within the storm snow may step down to the Feb 3rd melt freeze crust, if they do the crust will promote wider propagation and produce much larger and more destructive avalanches running fast and far on the crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2024 4:00PM

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