Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2018 5:23PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

istorm, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

The best riding will be found in wind protected areas but make sure you aren't below cornices or in convoluted terrain with variable and thin snow coverage.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday and overnight to Tuesday morning is a period of relative calm, meaning no new snow but a moderate westerly wind kept blowing.TUESDAY: Dry with moderate to strong westerly winds and temperatures around -5 to -10 at treeline. Mix of sun and cloud with more cloud on the west side of the ranges and sun on the east.WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: The weather pattern is expected to shift to a more southwesterly flow with slightly warmer temperatures each day. Freezing level climbing to near 1500m by Thursday afternoon. Continued dry.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports received Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices and hard and soft wind slabs can be found on many alpine and treeline slopes. Wind slabs overlie various surfaces, including older hard wind slabs, crusts, facets and spotty surface hoar.The lower snowpack is weak with two primary concerns that are generally widespread:1) A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar that is 100-150 cm deep.2) A rain crust with sugary facets buried in late November near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Touchy wind slabs may be found on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.

If triggered, the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, resulting in large avalanchesBe cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deeply buried weak layers are most likely to be triggered from thin or variable snowpack areas; or with a large load, like a cornice fall.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger deep slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2018 2:00PM