Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 29th, 2016 8:11AM

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

Parks Canada ian gale, Parks Canada

Strong winds, 20cm of new snow and heat from the sun mean avalanches are likely today.  Manage your group conservatively and minimize exposure to hazards overhead.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We'll experience a break between storm fronts today with a mix of sun & clouds. 1-2 cms of snow are expected today with the skies clearing in the afternoon. Freezing level will be at 1300m, with alpine highs of -6 deg and west ridge winds 20-40 kph. A second frontal system moves in on Tuesday bringing up to 20cm by late Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Strong South winds have blown around our 22cm of new snow creating wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. 30cm of storm snow snow sits on a breakable crust on SE through W aspects and widespread surface hoar on shaded aspects. The February 10th surface hoar / sun crust is down 50-90cm and is much less reactive than a few days ago.

Avalanche Summary

We received 3 reports of a skier triggered avalanches in the last couple of days. A sz 1 in Balu Pass, failing down 10 on the Feb 27 surface hoar layer and another windslab in the Asulkan valley from a convexity in high north facing terrain. With over 20 cms of new snow, winds gusting over 100kph and heat from the sun, avalanches are likely today!

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Moderate gusting to extreme S winds blew for the last 24 hrs have created windslabs on all aspects at TL and above. This slab has the potential to run far on a supportive crust below and/or if the Feb 27 SH gets involved. Monitor cornices closely.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
30cm of storm snow sits on a strong crust and surface hoar.  This low density slab has the potential to gain alot of mass with a widespread crust as the bed surface. Afternoon sun will add to the likelihood of triggering
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 1st, 2016 8:00AM