Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Cornices.
MH,
Avalanche Canada
Numerous human-triggered and natural storm slabs occurred on Sunday. This problem will remain reactive for a few days with continuing inputs of snow and wind.
Limit your exposure to overhead hazards like cornices, large slopes, or other groups in the area.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday the field team remotely triggered (from the ridge) several storm slabs in steep gully features on Mt. Fidelity, sz 2-2.5, with crown depths of 30-40cm.
Explosive hand charge testing also produced results up to size 2, with crown depths of 30-50cm.
Planned avalanche control on Sunday night will likely produce many size 2-3.5 storm slab avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
15-20cm of new snow has fallen, bringing the storm snow total to ~60cm. Moderate-strong Westerly winds have formed fresh slabs in the alpine and at tree line. Low-density, deep snow is found in sheltered areas.
Several thin crusts are buried on steep solar aspects.
The deep persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack (rounding facets and a crust in some locations), has been showing signs of strengthening recently.
Weather Summary
Another 20cm of snow starting Monday midday and continues into Tuesday morning. Winds will start from the Southwest at 30-70km/hr, then switch over to the East at 20-30km/hr as the storm tapers off.
Cold temps arrive Tuesday and will persist until the end of the week.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Continuing snowfall and strong winds will keep the storm slab problem active in the region. Watch for cracking in the snowpack and deeper slabs in wind loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Low density surface snow has created a dry loose avalanche problem in steep, sheltered terrain. Be cautious in steep gullies and on slopes with terrain traps at the bottom.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are more likely to fail with the increasing snowfall and consistent winds. Be aware of what may be looming far above you, hidden behind poor visibility and out of view.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2023 4:00PM
