Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanches are possible in wind-loaded areas at treeline and above. Carefully evaluate wind loading as you move through terrain and investigate the bond of wind slabs to the crust below them before committing to a slope.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, clear weather allowed operators to see into higher elevations. Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle from last weekend's storm was observed throughout the region. Several natural cornice and windslab avalanches were observed to size 2.5. Several loose dry avalanches were observed to size 2 out of steep rocky features. These avalanches were all likely caused by wind or solar input.
Please continue to post your reports and photos to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Southwest winds are redistributing 20 cm of available snow into lees at higher elevations. On steep solar slopes surfaces may be covered by a thin melt freeze crust. In sheltered areas, 50-70 cm of recent storm snow remains unconsolidated.
A melt-freeze crust formed in mid-January is now buried up to 80-120 cm deep. At the moment this layer appears to be gaining strength though in isolated areas small facets are still found above the crust. The snow below this layer is consolidating nicely. Buried 120-150 cm is a crust, formed near the end of December.
Snowpack depths are below seasonal averages. Total amounts range from 150 to 200 cm at treeline, but decrease significantly below 1500 m.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clear with cloudy periods. Winds southwest 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -7 °C. Freezing levels of 600 m.Â
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Winds southwest 40 km/h gusting 60 km/h. Treeline temperatures -5 °C and freezing levels of 1000 m.Â
Overnight flurries bring 3-13 cm accumulation.
Friday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2-3 cm accumulation. Winds west 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -6 °C and freezing levels of 800 m.Â
Saturday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, 2-3 cm accumulation. Winds west 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures -4 °C and freezing levels of 1000 m.Â
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Southwesterly winds are distributing 20 cm of available snow into fresh wind slabs on north and east slopes in the alpine and upper treeline. Wind slabs may be sitting on a crust making them especially reactive to ridder triggering.
During periods of direct sun watch for slab properties increasing in surface snow. Minimize exposure to steep sun-exposed slopes, especially when solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2023 4:00PM
