Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Many size 2 to 3 persistent slab avalanches were reported on the Mountain Information Network over the weekend (see photos). This includes several slabs triggered by riders, including remotely. The AvCan field team observed some large natural slabs at Seaton that likely occurred on Monday.

Increasing easterly winds will quickly redistribute loose snow. Recent snow covers a layer of surface hoar buried 30 to 50 cm deep. This layer of surface hoar is present in the alpine and on aspects that are not exposed to sunlight.

Another layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust buried in mid-February is 40 to 80 cm below the snow surface and has been reactive in snowpack tests.

Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of facets and a crust from early December can be found. This layer appears to be dormant but is still worth keeping in mind in thin snowpack areas in the alpine.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level dropping below 1200 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rocky outcrops, and steep terrain where triggering is most likely.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.