Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs can be found at all elevations and aspects.
Use caution as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, a notable skier accidental size 2 storm slab occurred in the backcountry near Terrace. See details in the MIN report.
Expect fresh, reactive wind slabs to form in a reverse loading pattern and at lower elevations than expected. These wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie a crust.
Snowpack Summary
Variable winds, predominantly and most recently from the northeast, have redistributed up to 40 cm of recent snow at all elevations in exposed areas.
Up to 80 cm now sits over a layer of small surface hoar, facets, and wind-affected surfaces. Below treeline, a new crust could exist up to 1000m.
A layer of facets and a crust from late January can be found down 100 to 200cm. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally well-settled and right-side up.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, no accumulation, winds northeast 55 km/h, treeline temperatures -15 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny, no accumulation, winds northeast 55 km/h, treeline temperatures -15 to -20 °C.
Thursday
Sunny with some clouds, no accumulation, winds northeast 60 to 70 km/h, treeline temperatures -20 °C.
Friday
Increasing clouds, 2 cm accumulation starting late in the day, winds northwest 40 to 45 km/h, treeline temperatures -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Northeasterly winds will redistribute 30 to 50 cm of recent new snow into fresh, reactive wind slabs. These slabs will form in a reverse loading pattern and at lower elevations than expected. Wind slabs may be particularly reactive where they overlie a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
