Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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With wind stations rimed, we have uncertainty around the extent of new wind affect on the snow. We haven't seen much for reactivity in wind slabs lately but triggering wind loaded pockets in steep, convex or extreme terrain remains a possibility.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, moderate northerly wind, low of -22.

Monday: Sunny, light northerly wind, high of -15.

Tuesday: Flurries bringing a trace of snow, strong southwest wind, high of -10.

Wednesday: Sunny, light variable wind, high of -8.

Avalanche Summary

We have received no reports of recent avalanche activity or signs of instability.

Snowpack Summary

This MIN report describes great riding conditions at Fraser on Saturday. 10-20 cm of recent snow appears to be bonding well to a variety of underlying surfaces including a crust that extends up to at least 1200 m on all aspects. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas. Weak facets (sugary snow) at the base of the snowpack appear to be rounding and bonding.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be triggerable in wind-loaded, steep or convex terrain features and near ridgetops. Whumpfing, cracking, and hollow sounds are all signs of instability that should cause you to back off into lower angle or less wind-loaded terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2022 4:00PM