Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lcrawley,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs are lingering and still surprising folks.
Be careful anywhere with wind-affected snow above a terrain trap.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Monday.
On Sunday, there were a few small rider-triggered wind slab avalanches in the alpine. As well as three natural wind slabs from extreme terrain north of Revelstoke.
On Saturday there were several small (size 1-1.5) rider-triggered wind slab avalanches in the alpine and a few at treeline. As well as a large (size 2) wind slab that was triggered by a cornice failing and landing on the slope.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar has grown the last few clear nights, up to 10 mm, and could become a problem if it gets buried.
The alpine is generally wind-affected with a crust on slopes facing the sun. In sheltered terrain, 15 to 25 cm of snow overlies a variety of layers including a weak layer of small surface hoar and/or another thin sun crust on solar aspects.
The widespread crust buried in early February is down 30 to 50 cm and has sugary facets on top. In most places, this crust is widespread up to 2400 m.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The wind slab problem is found in a few wind-loaded places, but not all. It is hard to predict where it'll be found.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2024 4:00PM
