Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 13th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Triggering storm and wind slabs remains a concern for Tuesday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Many storm slabs were triggered naturally and by riders on Sunday, releasing within the weekend's storm snow. We expect to see more evidence of a natural cycle from the weekend as the skies clear.

Looking forward, storm slabs could still be triggered by riders in wind-sheltered terrain and wind slabs likely dominate in wind-exposed terrain at higher elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Around 50 cm of snow accumulated over the weekend with strong southwest wind. Storm slabs are found in wind-sheltered terrain mostly at treeline elevations and below whereas wind slabs are prevalent in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slabs may overly a hard melt-freeze crust up to treeline elevation on sun-exposed slopes and below 1000 m on shaded aspects. The storm likely grew cornices, which could weaken if sunny skies prevail.

A layer of faceted grains and melt-freeze crust may be found about 100 to 200 cm deep. This layer hasn't produced avalanches in over a week and is currently dormant.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -11 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 20 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, 70 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 15 to 25 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Relatively thick storm slabs and wind slabs could be triggered as they slowly bond to the snowpack. Storm slabs are most likely found in wind-sheltered terrain at treeline and below treeline elevations. Wind slabs are most likely found in lee, north to east terrain features at alpine and treeline elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 14th, 2023 4:00PM