Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Email

The prolonged deep freeze has resulted in generally safe avalanche conditions. Stay warm and practice good travel habits.

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.

Weather Forecast

Cold dry weather continues until Thursday.

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light west wind, temperatures drop to -28 C.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate west wind, treeline temperatures climb to -15 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, treeline temperatures around -12 C.

THURSDAY: Scattered flurries with 5-10 cm of snow, strong south wind, treeline temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

No notable avalanches have been reported in the past week, but there could still be some isolated triggerable wind slabs in alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Reports from the weekend describe heavily wind affected surfaces, mostly hard sastrugi. The wind has shifted directions over the past week, but still left some isolated pockets of soft snow. Old firm wind slabs are likely unreactive by now, but still worth considering on steep rolls in alpine terrain. The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, but inland areas like the Wheaton Valley likely have a thinner and weaker structure.

Terrain and Travel

  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs are widespread in the alpine and may still be possible to trigger on steep isolated features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2021 4:00PM