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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 23rd, 2022–Feb 24th, 2022

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

Regions

South Rockies.

Pockets of wind slab likely linger on various aspects in exposed terrain and around ridgelines. 

Recent northeast winds have reverse loaded features building slabs in less common places.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Trace of new snow, light northeast winds. Alpine low of -20. 

THURSDAY: Partly cloudy with light northwest winds. Alpine high of -10.

FRIDAY: Sunny with a few clouds, light southwest winds increasing to moderate later in the day. Alpine highs of -10.

SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, moderate southwest winds, alpine high of -5.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday the field team reported evidence of a natural wind-driven avalanche cycle (likely from Monday), with avalanches in the size 1-2 range in the northern Elk Valley. On the east slope of the divide dry loose avalanches and small wind slabs have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The 10-20 cm of most recent snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northeast winds and formed some wind slabs in unusual places. This latest load sits over old firm wind-affected snow in open areas and hard sun crusts on solar aspects.

The snowpack below is generally well consolidated, with a crust/facet layer found near the bottom of the snowpack. It is currently considered dormant but could become active later this season. Check out the forecaster blog for more information. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.

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.