Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2024 1:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jfmichaud, Avalanche Canada

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High spatial variability in the alpine and at the treeline. Approach freshly wind-loaded areas with caution.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche was reported or observed.

If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

The new snow that will fall on Wednesday night will be added to the 10 to 15 cm already present in areas sheltered from the wind.

Below 500m altitude, this new snow lies on a refreezing crust that formed on Monday. The crust thickens and hardens as we lose altitude. In some places (Mines Madeleine and solar slopes), the crust is present up to 1000m.

The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facetted grains and crust. Facetted grains and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.

Snowpack height is highly variable throughout the park, with significant wind effects in the alpine and at the treeline. The average height is around 90 cm.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: The low-pressure system off Newfoundland is bringing us a few more flakes overnight.

Wednesday evening and night: Snow, 5 to 7 cm. North wind, 25 to 45 km/h. Low -11.

Thursday: Clearing in the afternoon. Wind northwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Maximum -12C.

Friday: Sunny. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Maximum -11C.

Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Maximum -11.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The north-westerly, then northerly winds will continue to create wind slabs, particularly in the alpine region. The extent of the problem will depend on the amount of snow received. You're likely to find this problem in the start zones of couloirs, under convexities and in laterally-loaded depressions.

Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 15th, 2024 3:00PM

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