Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2018 3:49PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

New snow and wind are driving a natural avalanche cycle.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Clear in the morning, with cloud and snow developing by afternoon. 20-30 cm overnight. Freezing level near 500 m. Strong south-westerly winds.TUESDAY: Around 10 cm snow. Freezing level near 400 m. Strong westerly winds.WEDNESDAY: 5-10 cm snow. Freezing level near 400 m. Strong westerly winds.More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Poor weather has kept avalanche observations to a minimum, but initial reports of a natural cycle up to size 3 came in on Sunday. Ongoing avalanche activity is expected as stormy conditions continue.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow accumulations of 40-80 cm have been affected by ongoing moderate to strong winds from the south-west through north-west at alpine and treeline elevations. This new snow has buried old hard wind slabs, scoured surfaces and sastrugi in many exposed areas. In wind-sheltered terrain, sun crusts or dry facets sit below the recent storm snow.In the upper pack is an interface of sun crusts, facets and spotty surface hoar (which is most prevalent in sheltered treed locations). Deeper in the snowpack, around 50-150 cm down, you'll find a crust/surface hoar layer, which still has the chance to surprise you and could be triggered from a thin snowpack spot, or with a large trigger like cornice fall. Basal facets may be found near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New snow and wind have built fresh slabs, which may fail naturally or with the weight of a person. A storm slab could step down to a deeper weak layer, creating a surprisingly large avalanche.
Be aware of what is above you at all times.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Use conservative route selection. Choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2018 2:00PM

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