Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 28th, 2019–Mar 1st, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Glacier.

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.

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

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.