Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2024 2:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Although small and isolated, newly formed wind slabs are reactive to skiers at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed.

If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine and wind-affected areas of N-NE-E-SE slopes, isolated soft wind slabs were developed in the past 48 hours. Older and stiffer slabs overlying weak facet grains are still found on the same slopes.

In sheltered slopes, about 10 cm of snow overlies a rain/solar crust, formed on February 11, on steep solar slopes.

The mid-snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the December 30 combo of facets and crust. Facets and depth hoar are developing at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Synopsis: A weak low-pressure system will move in on Friday, bringing a few snow showers and, hopefully, 5 to 10 cm by Sunday.

Thursday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Wind south-west, 20-30 km/h. Minimum -4.

Friday: Increasing cloudiness. Light snowfalls up to 2 cm of snow. Wind south, 20-30 km/h. Maximum -1.

Saturday: Cloudy. Light snowfalls up to 2 cm. Wind northwest, 20-40 km/h. Maximum -10.

Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud. Wind west, 20-30 km/h. Maximum -8.

For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Although their spatial distribution is isolated, wind slabs are reactive.
  • Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Southerly winds have transported the snow to develop new and isolated slabs in start zones, on convexities and in cross-loaded areas. Although small, these slabs are reactive to ski cuts tests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2024 3:00PM