Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 28th, 2019 8:07AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ross campbell,
Parks Canada
Even when the hazard is rated "Low, Low, Low" always exercise safe travel practises; Ski your line one at a time, manage cornices appropriately, be cognisant of terrain traps, and other lingering hazards.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Another weak weather system narrowly misses Rogers Pass again. Today will start out with a mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of some convective flurries this afternoon. No actual snowfall accumulation is expected today. On the bright side; it has warmed up, we can expect an alpine high of -8, and the winds should die down to light values today.
Snowpack Summary
10-15cm of settled, faceted snow resides on old wind slabs in sheltered areas. Moderate to strong winds have deposited thin wind slabs on exposed terrain features at ridge-top. A crust on steep solar aspects makes for difficult traveling conditions, both uphill and down. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Avalanche Summary
One size one skier accidental wind slab was reported in a MIN yesterday from the Thornington route. Several dry loose point releases occurred from South facing alpine ridge-lines also; mostly size one, but had enough mass that they could knock you off your feet. In the highway corridor, one sz 1.5 dry slab avalanche was noted from MacDonald #5.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous moderate to strong winds and cold temperatures have been promoting wind slab development. Reactive wind slabs are occurring in isolated areas, these slabs may be overlying old dormant wind slabs or weak facetted snow.
Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 1st, 2019 8:00AM
