Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
TRettie,
Avalanche Canada
Use caution at all elevations. The southern part of the region could be more hazardous due to the higher forecasted snowfall amounts.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Friday night: Low of -4 at 1500m. Light snowfall bringing trace amounts in the north and up to 5cm in the south. Moderate southwest winds.
Saturday: stormy weather bringing up to 15cm in the north and up to 30cm in the south throughout the day. Moderate southwest winds .High of -2 at 1500m.
Sunday: a mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts in the north and up to 5cm in the south. High of -2 at 1500m. Light winds.
Monday: a mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow and light northerly winds. High of -7 at 1500m.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday one size one skier triggered avalanche was reported in the north part of the region. It was on a cross loaded feature at treeline.
Over the past couple days wet loose avalanches were observed up to size 1.5 on solar aspects.
Snowpack Summary
New snow accompanied by southwest winds will form new storm and wind slabs throughout the day on Saturday.
Up to 20cm sits above the mid Febuary crust. The melt-freeze crust is reported to exist on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation polar aspects in the north of the region. Facets and surface hoar can be found above the crust in the north of the region.
The late-January crust/facet/surface hoar interface is buried down 20-70 cm. This layer was most reactive between 1700 m and 2000 m in the north of the region. While this layer now appears to be dormant in many parts of the region, recent snowpack tests suggest it is still very reactive in a few places in the north of the region and would still be capable of producing large avalanches if triggered.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried persistent weak layers.
Problems
Storm Slabs
New storm and wind slabs will form throughout the day on Saturday. These slabs could be touchy due to the surfaces they will form on. The largest slabs will likely be found in the south of the region where forecasted precipitation amounts are greatest. Use extra caution near ridge crests where wind loading is likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The late-January weak layer is down 20-70 cm and was most reactive between 1700 and 2000 m in the north of the region. It is now likely dormant in most areas, especially where there is a supportive surface crust. However, recent snowpack tests suggest it is still reactive and capable of producing large avalanches if triggered. We have now entered a low probability, high consequence scenario with this layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2022 4:00PM
