Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 20th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Updated on Tuesday at 6:10 AM. 15 to 20 cm of snow fell overnight creating dangerous avalanche conditions at treeline and alpine elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Most recent avalanche activity was reported as size 1-1.5 wind slabs in the alpine.
With heavy snowfall forecast for Monday night combined with strong winds, expect there to be an increase in natural avalanche activity in the alpine and treeline.
Please continue to post your reports and photos to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of new snow from the beginning of the week is being redistributed by primarily southwest winds.
A melt-freeze crust formed in mid-January is now buried up to 80-120 cm deep. In some areas, small facets are still found above the crust. This layer appears to be gaining strength but still remains a concern. The snow below this layer is well consolidated.
Snowpack depths are just below seasonal averages. Total amounts range from 150 to 300 cm at treeline, but decreases significantly below 1500 m.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with snow, accumulation 15-30cm. Wind strong southwest. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with flurries, accumulation 3-5cm. Wind light to moderate northwest. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 400 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy. Wind light to moderate northeast. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Wind moderate north wind. Treeline temperature -16 °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.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 30cm of new snow overnight Monday into Tuesday will form reactive storm slabs. Deepest deposits will be found in lee terrain with strong southwest winds.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A crust formed in mid-January can be found down 70 to 90 cm. In some areas facets can be found sitting on the crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 21st, 2023 4:00PM
