Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Feb 23 – 24, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch out for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Thin, old, hard wind slabs may be lurking on lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline, and fresher ones in glacial drainages from recent downslope winds. Cornices are fragile and may collapse, especially during warm periods.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Avalanche danger is expected to be lower in the cool parts of the day, and rise during warm, sunny periods, especially on steep rocky slopes.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday with temperature inversions dissipating and freezing levels dropping to 1200 m. Slightly more cloud is expected for Wednesday with sunny breaks, and freezing levels in valley bottoms. Thursday is looking mainly cloudy with light snow, but little wind.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Sunday include a few wet loose sluffs up to Size 2 from steep rocky sun-exposed terrain. A large cornice failure was also reported, but didn't trigger a slab on the slope below. Keep in mind the possibility of glide slabs releasing on smooth rock surfaces - avoid traveling on or under slopes sporting glide cracks.

Snowpack Summary

A variable snow surface generally includes a supportive crust with surface hoar or surface facets, all breaking down to corn snow with daytime warming and sun-exposure. In general, the snowpack is strong, but may weaken during peak warming periods. Cornices may fail with warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found in the alpine, or lower in glaciated drainages from recent katabatic winds. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack has been reported in some areas, and is worth investigating before committing to any big alpine terrain. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Below treeline, the snowpack is generally strong and uniform. Smooth rock slabs may act as a sliding surface for the entire snowpack to glide on in specific locations as temperatures rise.

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