Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations. Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural avalanche activity is expected with heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

Widespread natural avalanche activity is expected to begin on Wednesday as snow and wind develop sensitive storm slabs.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulates over a crust at lower elevations and wind-affected surfaces in the alpine and exposed treeline.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated, and likely still moist from the recent rain. Conditions remain rugged at lower elevations, with a shallow snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with snow switching to rain, accumulation 15 to 25 cm above the rain-snow line. Freezing level rises from 500 m to 1000 m. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 30 to 40 cm above the rain-snow line. Freezing level rises from 1000 m to 1500 m. 60 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. 

Thursday

Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 700 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 20 to 30 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build over the day as new snow accumulates. Reactivity will increase as slabs become more cohesive. Deeper deposits are expected in north and east facing terrain around ridgelines.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2024 4:00PM