Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2019 5:15PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Slab avalanches are possible to trigger at upper elevations. Use caution on slopes getting hit by the sun.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Mostly sunny in the north and isolated flurries in the south, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

Preliminary reports from Saturday are limited to small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain.On Friday, a size 1.5 wind slab was remotely triggered as a skier approached a steep south-facing slope north of Pemberton. The slab was 10-40 cm deep and had recently been loaded by north winds.On Thursday, a skier triggered slab avalanche was reported in the Duffey area on northwest aspect at 1900 m (see MIN report here).

Snowpack Summary

Friday's storm delivered 10-15 cm in northern parts of the region and 15-25 cm in southern parts of the region. Deeper deposits may be found in wind-affected alpine terrain. Recent snow may sit above hard wind slabs or sun crusts. A weak layer above a crust can be found roughly 20-30 cm deep at treeline and below treeline elevations, and has produced some small slabs with low destructive potential on isolated features. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are primarily a concern in southern parts of the region that received more snow. In the north, isolated wind slabs are the main problem.
Be careful around wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in steep terrain or above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2019 2:00PM

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