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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 24th, 2023–Feb 25th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, Blue River, Clearwater, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Clemina, North Monashee, McGregor, Renshaw, Robson.

Avalanche hazard will rise over the day as new slabs form.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Many small to large (size 1 to 2.5) wind slabs were triggered naturally and by riders over the past few days. They mostly occurred on south to west aspects at alpine elevations. A few very large (size 3.5 to 4) deep persistent slab avalanches were also observed over the week, which likely occurred during very windy conditions.

Looking forward, both new and old wind slabs could be human-triggered on Saturday, so use particular caution on any steep wind-exposed slope.

Snowpack Summary

Stormy conditions return, bringing snow and strong southwest wind. New wind slabs will form, which will rest on previously formed wind slabs from strong northeast wind. This means that wind slabs may be found on all aspects.

A small layer of surface hoar crystals may be found about 50 to 100 cm deep, particularly in areas sheltered from the wind around treeline. This layer is likely starting to bond to the snowpack.

Large and weak facets that formed in November are found near the base of the snowpack. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer is low at this time, the consequence of doing so would be high. This layer is most likely to be human-triggered in thin, rocky slopes at alpine and upper treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature - 19 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm with local enhancement possible, 30 to 50 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.