Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 16th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Use extra caution below ridge crests and rollovers. Wind slabs may not be bonded to the hard crust underneath.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a small (size 1) rider triggered slab avalanche was reported on a steep slope under a rock face in the alpine.
On Wednesday, a few small (size 1-1.5) rider triggered avalanches were reported on east or northeast facing slopes in the alpine.
If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the mountain information network.
Snowpack Summary
South through west aspects are likely stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. In general, the crust is strong and supportive to travel below 1900 m. Above 1900 m the crust becomes breakable and tapers out entirely around 2400 m.
On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.
In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 10 to 20 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1000 m. Treeline temperature around -3°C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light to moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising as high as 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Based on reports from adjacent forecast areas, old wind slabs that were previously unreactive could be waking up. This problem is most concerning where weak, sugary faceted crystals have formed under slabs, and on top of a thick crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 17th, 2024 4:00PM
