Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 23rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
Variable winds may have produced widespread deep wind slabs on all aspects at higher elevations.
Watch for signs of instability as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday, our field team reported a size 2 natural storm slab avalanche and a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche in the northern part of the island.
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Snowpack Summary
Two separate systems brought up to 30 cm to the far north and up to 20 cm to the far south this week. At higher elevations, this snow has been redistributed by variable winds, predominantly from the northeast. Expect to find wind slabs on all aspects. In most areas, the new snow and wind slabs will be sitting on a widespread crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated and strengthened.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly clear with some clouds, no accumulation, winds east 30 km/h and easing to 15 by morning, treeline temperatures -13 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny with increasing cloud late in the day, no accumulation, winds north northwest 15 to 25 km/h, treeline temperatures -14 to -9 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm accumulation with most intense snowfall late in the day, winds southwest 35 km/h gusting to 70, treeline temperatures -6 ºC.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud, 2 cm accumulation, winds west 20 km/h gusting to 45, treeline temperatures -5 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Over the past several days, snow has fallen over the entire region in varying amounts. Northeasterly winds have redistributed this snow into fresh wind slabs on southwesterly aspects. Older wind slabs may still exist in most other aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 24th, 2023 4:00PM
