Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche danger is limited to high elevation alpine terrain where snow accumulated over the weekend.

Summary

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

Cool dry weather until the next storm arrives on Thursday.

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, moderate west wind, treeline temperatures drop to -4 C.

TUESDAY: Some isolated flurries in the morning then clearing in the afternoon, moderate northwest wind at ridgetops, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

THURSDAY: Flurries with 15-25 cm of snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level up to 800 m with treeline temperatures around -1 C.

Avalanche Summary

Some small (size 1) storm slab and wet slab avalanches were reported during the storm over the weekend, and a natural avalanche cycle likely occurred on Sunday night. Looking forward the only concern is upper treeline and alpine elevations where storm slabs may exist in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

A hard crust now caps the snowpack up to the tops of the North Shore mountains. High elevation terrain in other parts of the region could have up to 50 cm of recent snow, likely heavily wind affected. However there are no observations to confirm alpine conditions.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

While most areas are capped by a thick rain crust, high elevation terrain may have accumulated up to 50 cm of snow with storm slabs lingering on steep and wind loaded terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2021 4:00PM