Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Feb 20 – 21, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Low danger does not mean no avalanches.

Continue to use good travel habits; only expose one person at a time and avoid unnecessary overhead hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    This problem is still possible where a wind slab sits over weak, sugary faceted crystals on top of a crust.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar is growing on all aspects at all elevations up to 12 mm, even on ridgetops.

South through west aspects are stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. This crust exists at all elevations. On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.

In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 15 to 25 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Thursday

Mostly clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Regions covered