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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 23rd, 2023–Feb 24th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Variable winds may have produced widespread deep wind slabs on all aspects at higher elevations.

Watch for signs of instability as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wednesday, our field team reported a size 2 natural storm slab avalanche and a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche in the northern part of the island.

Thank you to all who contribute to the Mountain Information Network. If you head to the backcountry please help out your community by sharing your experiences.

Snowpack Summary

Two separate systems brought up to 30 cm to the far north and up to 20 cm to the far south this week. At higher elevations, this snow has been redistributed by variable winds, predominantly from the northeast. Expect to find wind slabs on all aspects. In most areas, the new snow and wind slabs will be sitting on a widespread crust.

The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated and strengthened.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear with some clouds, no accumulation, winds east 30 km/h and easing to 15 by morning, treeline temperatures -13 °C.

Friday

Mostly sunny with increasing cloud late in the day, no accumulation, winds north northwest 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperatures -14 to -9 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm accumulation with most intense snowfall late in the day, winds southwest 35 km/h gusting to 70, treeline temperatures -6 ºC.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud, 2 cm accumulation, winds west 20 km/h gusting to 45, treeline temperatures -5 ºC.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.