Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 28th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Deep, reactive storm slabs continue to build over a slippery crust. At lower elevations, loose wet avalanches will be come increasingly likely as rain soaks the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Monday night: Mixed precipitation, 5-10 mm, strong southwest wind, treeline temperature +3 C, freezing level 1500-1900 m.
Tuesday: Mixed precipitation, 5-15 mm, strong southwest wind, treeline high temperature +1 C, freezing level 1400 m.
Wednesday: Snow mixed with rain, 10-20 mm, moderate southwest wind, treeline high temperature 0 C, freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday: Clearing, light northwest wind, treeline high temperature 0 C, freezing level 1300 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, our field team observed widespread natural avalanche activity size 1-2.5. A skier triggered size 2 storm slab was reported at Mt Cain on Sunday in this MIN.
Snowpack Summary
Within the 40-60 cm of new snow, a wet layer on the surface is stacked on top of lower density, dry snow. This configuration is referred to as upside-down and is often associated with short term instability while the soft bottom settles. Above ~1900 m, the surface remains dry and has seen extensive wind effect, with extremely variable depths and areas of hard wind slab.
The storm snow sits over a thin layer of weak crystals on a thick, widespread rain crust which makes a great sliding surface for avalanches.
The mid and lower snowpack is considered well settled and strong. Shallow snow cover at low elevations leaves many hazards like stumps and creeks exposed at or just below the snow surface.
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
- Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Upside-down storm slabs sit over a slippery crust. Natural avalanche activity is expected to continue with precipitation into Tuesday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
As rain soaks the snowpack at lower elevations, loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 1st, 2022 4:00PM
