Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2016 5:57PM

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

Avalanche Canada brian webster, Avalanche Canada

Pay attention to the effects of the sun as the day warms up. Many loose wet avalanches were observed on Wednesday afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure remains intact through Friday bringing clear skies and light west to northwest winds. Cool temperatures overnight but the afternoon effect of the sun will be strong. Freezing levels forecast to be around 2000 m. Minor flurries expected on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of low density storm snow over-top of a well settled mid-pack. The Feb 11 surface hoar can be found down 50-60 cm in isolated locations around treeline. Where found this layer is producing moderate results. The Jan 6th layer (down 80-120 cm) is gaining strength and producing hard to no results. South aspects becoming moist in afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Many loose wet snow avalanches up to size 1.5 observed on Wednesday, otherwise no recent slab avalanches reported. Note that many recent slab avalanches were reported in the last week in the neighboring Banff, Yoho & Kootenay bulletin region.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Relatively high freezing levels and the strong effects from the sun will create loose wet snow avalanches on solar aspects in the afternoon.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

80-130 cm of snow overlies the Jan 6th layer of surface hoar, facets and sun crust. This layer is gaining strength in the region but should be watched for at treeline and above. Be aware of isolated pockets of Feb 11 SH down 40 to 60cm in the area.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs exist in lee alpine terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2016 4:00PM