Avalanche Forecast

Visibility was limited, but several naturally triggered wind slabs were observed. These slabs are 30 to 50cm deep and are mainly occurring on easterly aspects in the Alpine. The avalanches were mostly in the size 1.5 to 2.0 range, with one large size 3.0 noted from a distance. Increased avalanche activity is expected over the next 24-48hrs.

Between 15 and 35cm of new snow fell in the past 24 hours, with the larger amounts in the southern part of the forecast area. This adds to between 20 and 40cm of generally low density snow from an earlier storm. There is now 35 to 70cm overlying the Feb 14th layer of suncrust, surface hoar and old/or hard wind slabs. This interface is likely to be active over the next few days, as strong to extreme SW winds are actively building wind slabs at Treeline and above. Despite limited visibility, natural avalanche activity was noted on Monday with several slides in the size 1.5 to 2 range, and one size 3. See Avalanche Summary for more details.

Tuesday should be mainly sunny with a high of -7C. No precipitation is expected. Winds from the NW will start the day at 75km/h and decrease to the 50km/h range later in the day.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Recent strong wind means wind slabs may be found farther downslope than expected.
• Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind-exposed terrain.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.