Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Continue practicing safe travel habits and group management.
Consider the consequences of a small avalanche or any fall before committing to large features.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday and Saturday near Fernie, a couple of small (size 1) rider-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine and open treeline terrain is generally wind-affected. In wind sheltered areas, 30 to 60 cm of settling snow sits on the 10-20 cm thick, strong, rain crust that formed to mountain tops in early February. Weak, sugary crystals (facets) are starting to form above this crust.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -7 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1200 m. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 2-4 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1000 m. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow expected above 1200 m, possibly less on the eastern edge of the forecast area. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
This problem is most likely where weak sugary snow is starting to form over a melt freeze crust that was buried on February the 3rd. Avalanches on this layer could propagate wider and run farther than expected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2024 4:00PM
