Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2017 3:48PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Conditions are improving with cooling temperatures. Watch for unstable snow in wind affected terrain and treeline slopes where surface hoar may be preserved.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light southeast wind, alpine temperatures around -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, numerous small loose wet avalanches (size 1) were skier triggered in the Terrace area. Evidence of natural avalanche activity during the previous storm was also reported, with the largest avalanches in the north around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw (in the size 2.5-3.5 range). Cooling temperatures will make natural avalanches unlikely this weekend, but human triggering storm slabs will remain possible.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and moist settling storm snow. Strong winds earlier in the week formed deeper deposits in exposed high elevation terrain. The February 10th interface is now buried 60-80 cm deep and consists of facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface is likely gaining strength, but may still be reactive in isolated areas at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs may remain reactive in wind-exposed terrain and where they sit above preserved surface hoar at treeline.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2017 2:00PM