Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

DH, Avalanche Canada

Glacier.

Be alert for windslabs in the alpine and treeline. The best skiing can be found in sheltered areas at lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off in the wake of last weekends storm with only a few isolated small avalanches observed through the highway corridor. However, rider triggered avalanches remain a strong possibility.

Snowpack Summary

At alpine and treeline elevations the snow surface consists of wind affect and reactive windslab. On steep solar aspects this sits over several sun crusts. In sheltered areas below treeline recent storm snow is settled providing supportive good skiing.

The deep persistent weakness near the base of the snowpack has produced several large destructive avalanches in response to last weekends storm.

Weather Summary

Temperatures will gradually rise into the weekend as the next system arrives bringing more snow.

Tonight: Cold and clear, light E winds, Alp low -26*C

Fri: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate SW winds, Alp low -20*C

Sat: Cloudy, flurries up to 7cm, moderate SW winds, Alp low -17*C

Sun: Cloudy, flurries up to 7cm, light SW winds, Alp low -14*C

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

N'ly winds have formed windslabs in the ALP and at TL. Recent colder weather will prolong the time needed for these slabs to bond. On solar aspects windslabs overly several crusts which may enhance reactivity. Watch for changes in the surface snow and how it responds under your feet as you move from wind scoured to wind loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2023 4:00PM