Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2019 4:39PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Careful with slopes that have been wind-loaded and slopes getting hit by the sun.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperatures drop to -14 C.MONDAY: Sunny, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -15 C.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, strong east wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

Avalanche Summary

Preliminary reports from Sunday indicate small (size 1) wind slabs were triggered by riders on all aspects in alpine terrain. Activity on Saturday was limited to loose dry sluffing in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent wind has formed isolated pockets of slabs in exposed terrain, while sheltered areas have cold low density snow. The top 20 to 40 cm of the snowpack consists of low density snow that is gradually settling onto old hard surfaces including crusts and wind-packed snow. Low-density snow may sluff easily on these hard surfaces. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Northeast winds are forming fresh slabs in exposed terrain, while pockets of old wind slabs can be found on all aspects.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2019 2:00PM