Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 25th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Avoid large slopes, overhead hazards and steep terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle from last weekend's storm is trickling in. Reports of natural slab avalanches up to (size 2.5) and wet loose from steep terrain up to (size 2.5) occurred during the storm.
Snow, rain, strong southerly wind and rising freezing levels are driving the avalanche hazard for Wednesday. Natural avalanches are expected.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of new snow and strong southerly wind is expected by Wednesday afternoon.
This brings 40 to 70 cm sitting above old hard surfaces in wind exposed areas, facets and surface hoar in sheltered terrain, and crust on low elevation solar aspects.
Two layers of surface hoar from January can be found in the top meter of the snowpack.
A layer of facets on top of a crust from early December is buried 100 to 200 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
New snow 5 to 10 cm. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Wednesday
Snow 15 to 20 cm. 55 to 85 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday
Snow 5 to 10 cm. 25 to 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with a trace of new snow. 10 km south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs sit on a weak interface and will likely be reactive with new snow, strong southerly wind and rising freezing levels.
Wet loose avalanches are likely where precipitation falls as rain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Two surface hoar layers can be found in the top meter of the snowpack in sheltered terrain. They have been unreactive recently, but rapid change due to new snow and warm temperatures may wake them up.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 26th, 2025 4:00PM
