Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 7:19AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Watch the winds! Avalanche danger could be higher at treeline in the parts of the region that see moderate winds. Back off if you notice blowing or drifting snow.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: flurries starting overnight and becoming light snow through the day with accumulations of up to 10cm expected, light to moderate southwesterly winds, 1400m freezing level. MONDAY: another 10cm overnight with flurries through the day, light southerly winds, 1200m freezing level. TUESDAY: snow starting overnight with up to 10cm possible by the end of the day, light to moderate southerly winds, 1200m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Friday.  Earlier in the week a few size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered naturally and by skiers, however this activity seems to have slowed. Cornices are still large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak.  A refreeze crust may cap moist snow at and below treeline and on solar slopes in the alpine. Older wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in steep lee features in the alpine, where they could also be triggered naturally by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack depending on aspect and elevation. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can be found down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick, widespread crust.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Cornices are reported to be large and weak. The weight of a person may be enough to cause a cornice failure. A collapsing cornice could also trigger a slab on the slope below.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on ridges.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Hard wind slabs may be difficult to spot once buried below new snow.
Travel on ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded features.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 2:00PM