Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2019 3:49PM

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

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Keep seeking out low density snow in sheltered, low elevation zones for the safest, best skiing and riding.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperatures near -16C. Ridgetop winds moderate gusting strong to extreme from the northeast. SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries in evening, trace accumulation. Alpine temperatures near -14C. Ridgetop winds moderate gusting strong from the east.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud.. Alpine temperatures near -15C. Ridgetop winds moderate gusting strong from the east.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -16C. Ridgetop winds moderate from the east.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region, however winds have begun affecting snow at treeline and above. Following the 20 cm new snow overnight Wednesday, skiers reported developing wind slabs, whumpfing, and shooting cracks on Thursday and Friday.Our most recent avalanche observations are from Monday. They showed small (size 1) wind slabs releasing naturally from steep, wind loaded pockets in the Howson range.Numerous avalanches were triggered by skiers and naturally within the recent storm snow on the weekend. Check out this MIN report describing widespread slab activity.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm snow overnight Wednesday buried 20-40 cm of wind-affected storm snow from last weekend that has since been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of cold temperatures. Winds are redistributing snow into wind slabs and other wind-affected surfaces at treeline and above.The older, faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, it may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations. In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overlie two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
More strong northeast outflow winds on Saturday means the recent snow will be getting packed into new wind slabs on lee slopes. Older, buried slabs may remain reactive to human triggering on steeper, unsupported features.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2019 2:00PM